Little Sister

Resilience is a strong theme running throughout Little Sister. Is there something in Patricia’s upbringing that leads to her resilience or does it just come to her naturally? Are there times when she seems to lose her resilience? Have you experienced situations in which you were able to overcome adversity and felt empowered because of it?

Patricia’s parents and the other members of the Center were highly educated and intellectual. Why do you think they didn’t resist the draconian rules imposed on them? This story takes place in the aftermath of World War II and many of the men at the Center saw the horrors of war firsthand. Is it possible that PTSD played some role in their actions? How does the Center compare with similar situations in the recent past?

Catherine Clarke was a powerful and controlling figure in Patricia’s life. Is there a point when those roles were reversed? What was the catalyst? How did it shape Patricia’s life after that? Have you experienced a situation where you were able to influence the power structure in an important personal relationship—at home, in the workplace, among friends?

Despite the fact that Patricia is immensely curious about the world outside the Center and wants to experience living in the ‘real’ world, she is wracked with grief when Catherine Clarke tells her, at the age of seventeen, that she will have to leave the Center. Why is she conflicted? Discuss your own experience of wanting something but realizing it will require giving up something else you love equally.

Patricia does not use the word “cult” in her book. She says that she never thought of the Center as a cult, although today she readily accepts the fact that it was just that. Why might that be? Have you experienced or read stories of other cults – are their similarities to Patricia’s story?

Almost immediately after Catherine Clarke died, the Center fell prey to infighting. Why might this have happened? What does it say about a regime built on blind obedience to a leader? Are there other examples in contemporary times when the demise of a charismatic figure led to the disintegration of a community/cult/group?

Forgiveness plays a strong role in Little Sister. Is there something about Patricia’s life at the Center and her upbringing that allows her to be so forgiving? Why do you think she feels no anger toward her parents? Could you put yourself in her shoes? Have you been able to forgive and move on in an important relationship?

What role do you think Patricia’s position as the eldest of her siblings played in her strength of character and care over her sisters and brother? Does it bring to mind any other stories of survival?

Some people who had undergone such an experience as Patricia’s might have emerged very damaged. Patricia, however, has gone on to create a fulfilling life. How do you think that this is possible? What might have contributed to her ability to achieve this?

Patricia’s Catholic faith does not appear to have been destroyed, despite her upbringing. Why do you think that might be? Can you empathize with her reasoning, given all the harm that has been inflicted on people by the Catholic Church?