Discuss the impact
the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps had on our country. In light of the current
crisis for nurses, do you think such an idea would work again? Why or why
not?
What tensions exist between the
three generations of women in this story? Based on your own experience or
knowledge, do you think Sanna, Brigetta, and Hanna responded typically to
their stresses? What key factor led to each woman's approach to handling her
situation?
What would you do with a friend like
Muriel? Do you foresee Sanna and Muriel ever salvaging their friendship? Do
you approve of Brigetta and Sanna's wall-painting escapade?
When Brigetta opened up to Sanna
about considering someone "dead," what was your first impression, and why?
Discuss Brigetta's ideas on forgiveness.
Each woman in Late Harvest
often feels alone in her struggles. Is this inevitable, or could a friend
coming along-side have helped Brigetta and Hanna? What characterizes Sanna's
friendship with her roommates? Do you think their friendships will last
beyond nurses' training?
Does every woman need a friend like
Fred? If his situation had not been altered significantly, do you think he
and Sanna could have remained "just friends"?
Think of several descriptions of
Hanna and Gustave's marriage. Have you known relationships like theirs? Do
you think Bram and Brigetta have a similar relationship? How do you think
Lena and Cornelis' relationship with the family will change in the days and
years that extend beyond the final page of Late Harvest?
The story ends happily. What can
help that happiness last?
Parts of this story are presented in
more expansive format in Rough Terrain and Unguarded Edge.
Drawing on the three stories, discuss the imagery which makes Late
Harvest an appropriate title for the final book in this trilogy.
