Sipsworth

This novel is set in the town where the author grew up but hasn’t lived in for 30 years. Why do you think he chose to do that? If you wrote a book, where would you set it?

What do you think Helen means when she says: “And herein lies the cruel paradox of human existence—not that you die, but that all happiness eventually turns against you.”

Helen has returned to the town of her childhood after living abroad for 60 years. If you no longer live where you were brought up, would you ever consider moving back to where you grew up in your eighties, like Helen?

The book is set in present tense, as opposed to past tense, which most authors use. How do you think this changes the experience for the reader?

Why do you think Helen is just “waiting to die”? Can you empathize with her state of mind? Why do you think she is not interested in forming relationships with people in the town? What would you do for someone who felt this way?

Helen goes from being irritated by the mouse, to making the animal little meals and explaining the plots of films on television. In your opinion, what causes this change in her? Has anything similar ever happened to you, where you did a complete 180 in your opinion of something or someone?

“The only consolation of being the last to go,” Helen admits, “is knowing the people you loved the most won’t suDer the way you do in their absence.”Do you agree with this line?

“The only real proof of her advanced age are a chronic, persistent feeling of defeat, aching limbs, and the power of invisibility to anyone between the ages of ten and fifty.” Why do you think this is one of the most underlined sentences by readers in the entire novel?

The novel takes place over a few weeks. During that time, Helen’s life changes dramatically. Has there ever been a short period in your life where things changed as quickly? 10.One of the main characters in this novel is a creature that many people are afraid of or disgusted by. Do you think this story will change how people view rodents?

In some ways, the reader sees Helen as simply an elderly woman until the middle of the book where there’s a big surprise for the reader. Do you think this moment in the novel will aDect how you view older people from now on?

Near the end of the book, there are some blank pages after the usual day setting. Why do you think the author did this?

For two years, the author looked after two mice he rescued from feeder tanks at pet shops. Do you think this experience was vital to the novel?

The author is also an E.M.T. crew chief working in New York City and, during college, volunteered briefly in a nursing home. Do you think these experiences might have influenced the novel?

In this novel, Helen is saved twice by an animal. When she falls down the well as a girl, it’s a dog; then 75 years later, it’s a mouse. Do you believe animals have the power to heal us? 16.After being alone for so many years, most of Helen’s initial interactions with people are to ask them for things. Why do you think they respond favorably and go out of their way to help? Do you think most people are like this? Are you like this?