The Family Remains

Consider the layers of meaning in the novel’s title. What are some possible interpretations of the title?

Analyze Henry’s character. How does complicate Henry’s nature and play with the reader’s perceptions of him? Is Henry simply damaged from childhood, or are there more sinister forces at play? Support your response with examples.

Henry exhibits signs of positive change toward the end of the novel. Does his character truly change, or is he the same troubled man he was before?

How does past trauma affect Henry and Lucy? How do they deal with their trauma differently?

What techniques does Jewell use to heighten tension and suspense throughout the novel? Provide examples.

Are the Thomsens and Lambs victims? Does the trauma they went through as children negate their responsibility for their crimes, either as children or as adults?

Analyze the significance of point of view in the novel. How do differing points of view present differing perspectives of the plot? Why does Jewell use first-person and third-person narration?

Analyze Rachel’s character transformation and the factors that influence it.