The Keeper of Stories

What lessons or values does the novel offer regarding intergenerational relationships? Consider the connections between Mrs. B and Janice, Carrie-Louise and Janice, Janice and her mother, Adam and Euan, and Mike and Simon.

The author offers many stories of individuals who are brought up only once. Choose one of these stories and analyze its deeper significance or symbolic connections to the surrounding text.

List the characters who are mothers. Then, list actions they take that cause them regret or guilt. Analyze whether their reactions are rational or unfounded. Finally, explain how the theme of The Paralyzing Effects of Guilt connects these characters.

How do Mrs. B’s possessions characterize her indirectly? Consider conversations between Mrs. B and Janice in your response.

To what extent is this novel about gender? Consider the cast of characters through a feminist lens. Who holds the most power, men or women? How is this power wielded (e.g., through legitimate or illegitimate means)?

The viewpoint is consistently third person limited to Janice’s perspective except for two brief passages early in the book in which a neighbor and the bus driver (Euan) watch Janice. What is the effect of these shifts to alternative points of view? How might the book have been different if it included additional multiple point-of-view passages throughout?

At Carrie-Louise’s funeral service, Mrs. B tells Janice that she wishes Janice had “a bit more Becky” in her (255). What traits in Becky’s character are healthy and helpful? Does Janice share any of Becky’s traits already? What evidence can you find for these traits?

Janice’s struggles with her self-worth have repercussions for her present-day relationships. For example, she stays in an unhealthy marriage and breaks up with Euan to disallow herself happiness. What other characters make unhealthy or self-punishing decisions due to The Complexities of Self-Worth?