Reading Guide Available

Get the Reading Guide on Penguin's website, by calling 800-778-6425 or by emailing reading@penguinputnam.com.

Discuss Motherland with Fern Schumer Chapman

Fern is available to participate in person or by speakerphone with your reading group when you discuss her book. Hear first hand how the book came about and learn how Fern’s relationship with her mother has changed since its publication. If you would like to invite Fern to meet with your book club face-to-face or by telephone, please contact her to arrange to meet at a mutually convenient date and time.

Questions for Reading Groups to Consider

• What are your feelings towards Hans, and how do they change throughout the book?
  
• Why is Hans unwilling to go with Edith and Fern to find Mina?
  
• Edith keeps everything in and Mina talks incessantly about the past. Is one coping mechanism better than another? How do you think you would cope with this kind of traumatic past?
  
• Can you understand the Westerfelds’ decision to remain in Germany with Sara? Did they do the right thing? What choice would you make?
  
• Edith's anger isn't focused on the Nazis. It is directed at her parents. Can you understand why she feels this way?
  
• Why was it so important for Fern to have a daughter? What stories, legends and history would you like to pass along to your children?
  
• Why is Jurgen so important to the story? What does he add?
  
• What is the larger point of the book? What role should the past play in present life?
  
• In what ways does the mother/daughter relationship in Motherland illuminate your relationship with your mother?