Granny Torrelli Makes Soup

Blindness relates to either complete or partial loss of vision. Why do you think the author chose to make Bailey have blindness in the novel? Metaphorically, how does sight relate to empathy?

Consider how the novel juxtaposes Rosie’s memories with Granny Torrelli’s stories. What is the difference in a memory and a story? At what point does a memory become a story? Think about the power of storytelling as you discuss.

Granny Torrelli is Catholic, but Rosie is not. Research the history of Catholicism both in Italy and in the United States. What are some differences between Catholicism and Protestantism?

In this short novel, very little action happens in the present tense. Much of the story takes place in the memories of Rosie and the stories of Granny Torrelli. What effect does this have on the novel? Consider how the novel would be different if the reader did not learn about the history of Rosie and Bailey’s relationship.

Many novels are written about the relationships that children have throughout their childhood. Consider another novel that centers around a childhood friendship and explain how the friendships are both similar and different.

Rosie and Bailey are both quick to acknowledge The Importance of Forgiveness—to forgive and to ask for forgiveness—once they realize their past actions lacked empathy. Consider how the novel might have ended differently had one or the other not been willing to apologize. Do you think their relationship would have survived? Use examples from Granny Torrelli’s stories to support your conclusion.

Rosie’s parents do not play an active role in the novel. As such, Rosie gets her insights from her grandmother. Consider the role that grandparents can play in a child’s life. What can grandparents provide that parents sometimes cannot? What can Rosie’s grandmother provide that her parents can not? Use these insights to explain whether or not you believe grandparents should play an active role in the lives of their grandchildren.

Bailey has partial vision. Research some different types of disorders of the eye and how they can affect people. Then research different solutions and therapies that people with these difficulties can use to help them make their way through the world. Share your findings in a report that explains both some of the causes of blindness as well as some of the mechanisms people use to navigate in the world.