So Far Gone

Discuss how the novel explores the politics of family relationships. How does this exploration support or challenge your understanding of family?

How does Walter reconcile Rhys’s intellectualism with Shane’s anti-intellectualism? What does the novel suggest about the value of purely intellectual endeavor?

The novel looks at some of the important issues that Indigenous communities face with the increasing urbanization of North America. Discuss one of the issues Walter focuses on and explain how its depiction highlights Indigenous communities’ continued struggles for justice.

How does the novel’s critique of therapy tie into its critique of intellectualism? What is Walter trying to suggest about the relationship between knowledge and action?

How do the novel’s child characters deepen or reinforce its ideas on organized religion? Pick one of the child characters and discuss their personal theology to support your answer.

How does the character of Chuck Littlefield mirror aspects of both Rhys and Shane? What do the tensions and commonalities between these characters say about contemporary notions of masculinity?

Why does Walter rely so much on backstory and flashback in this novel? What do these flashbacks reveal about the ongoing impact of the past?

Is the character of Lucy Park fully developed? Discuss how the novel frames her character when she is first introduced in Chapter 2. Does she arrive at a resolution as well by the end of the novel? Why or why not?