Small Mercies

How familiar were you with the setting of the novel before reading it (both geographic location in South Boston and time setting in the 1970s)?  With the specific historical context of the forced desegregation of Boston public schools?  Why do you think Lehane chose to set his story against this backdrop?

Mary Pat is a complex and not traditionally likable main character.  What did you think of her?  Do you enjoy books with challenging protagonists, or do you prefer ones where you can identify with or empathize with the main character?    

Mary Pat bulldozes her way through her quest to locate her daughter, hurting many people –  both directly and indirectly – in the process.  In your opinion, were her actions justified?

Bobby Coyne describes Mary Pat as “broken but unbreakable.”  What did he mean by that?  Where does Mary Pat find her strength and tenacity?  

What did you think of the relationship between Mary Pat and Coyne?  Did you like when the book shifted to his perspective?

Lehane is unflinching in his depiction of the racism and racial animus of the 1970s, including among his main characters.  How did reading the racist thoughts and racial slurs the characters use make you feel?  Did you find that the language added to or detracted from the novel?

At the same time, Lehane indicates that racism is often inherited (and too often passed down to the next generation), rather than a conscious choice.  To what degree are the racist whites of Southie victims of their own circumstances?  Would you expect these characters to reckon with their own racism and hatred?  

Mary Pat does in fact do some reckoning over the course of the book, beginning to question where her hatred comes from and why she feels the way she does.  Do you believe it’s enough to redeem her?

How much do you think has changed since when this book was set?  What commentary does the novel make about our current-day world?  

What did you think of the ending of the book?  Did the toast at the end surprise you?

Ultimately, did you find this book to be hopeful?  Why or why not?

In many ways this is a dark, gritty and difficult book to read.  Was it worthwhile for you? Would you recommend it, and to whom?