The Caretaker: A Novel

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of death and ableism.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The Caretaker explores the conflict between family loyalty and personal autonomy through Jacob’s relationship with his parents. How effectively did Rash portray this tension, and did your sympathies shift as the story progressed?

2. Rash sets his novel in rural Appalachia, a setting he’s known for depicting in his work. How does this setting contribute to the story’s themes, and how does The Caretaker compare to other novels that explore rural life, such as Rash’s award-winning Serena or Tom Franklin’s Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter?

3. The novel examines the impact of deception and the prioritization of social appearance over truth. What was your initial reaction to the Hamptons’ decision to lie to both Jacob and Naomi, and did you find their motivation believable?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Blackburn’s unwavering loyalty to both Jacob and Naomi exemplifies the theme of The Costs and Rewards of Devotion. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between conflicting loyalties. How did you navigate this challenge, and what did you learn from the experience?

2. Jacob’s grief over Naomi’s “death” contrasts sharply with his parents’ approach to loss. How have you or someone you know approached the grieving process, and does the novel’s portrayal of different grieving styles resonate with your experience?

3. The Hamptons believe they’re acting in Jacob’s best interest when they deceive him about Naomi. Have you experienced a situation where someone made decisions for you (supposedly for your own good) without your input? How did you respond?

4. Blackburn’s physical differences lead to his social isolation, yet he finds meaning in his cemetery work and his friendship with Jacob. In what ways have you found or observed others finding purpose and connection despite experiencing exclusion or marginalization?

5. Naomi’s determination to visit Jacob’s grave despite the risks reflects her commitment to honoring their relationship. What rituals or actions have helped you maintain connections to people who are absent from your life, whether through distance, estrangement, or death?

6. Class differences drive the Hamptons to reject Naomi. Have you witnessed or experienced similar judgment based on social standing or background? How did this impact the relationships involved?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Korean War and its impact on rural communities. How does Rash use this historical context to illuminate the characters’ experiences and choices?

2. Social status and reputation drive much of the conflict in The Caretaker. How do these concerns continue to influence social dynamics in contemporary communities, particularly in rural settings?

3. The treatment of Blackburn’s disability reflects mid-20th century attitudes toward those with visible differences. How have societal perspectives on disability evolved since then, and what aspects of Blackburn’s experience might still resonate today?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The novel uses multiple points of view to tell its story. How did this narrative approach affect your understanding of the characters and their motivations? Which perspectives were most illuminating or compelling to you?

2. Flowers are a recurring symbol throughout the novel, from Naomi’s planned marigold garden to the flowers placed on graves. How did these floral symbols enhance your understanding of the characters’ relationships and emotions?

3. Consider the significance of the cemetery setting and Blackburn’s role as caretaker. How does this setting function both literally and metaphorically throughout the story?

4. The Dangers of Prioritizing Appearance Over Truth manifests in various ways throughout the novel. How does Rash develop this theme through different characters and situations?

5. The novel’s title, The Caretaker, has multiple meanings related to Blackburn’s roles, which define his identity. How does this compare to other works in which a character’s occupation defines their identity, such as Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead, in which the protagonist’s role as a minister shapes his worldview?

6. Blackburn’s and Jacob’s “blood brothers” pact from childhood serves as a crucial motivator for Blackburn’s actions. How does this element of their backstory enhance the story’s exploration of loyalty and commitment?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. The novel ends with Jacob and Naomi moving to Louisiana while Blackburn remains behind. How might their lives unfold in the following five years? What challenges might they face, and how might their relationships evolve?

2. The story hinges on a profound deception. Imagine adding a scene to the novel depicting Jacob confronting his parents after he discovers their lie? What words might they exchange, and how might each character defend their actions?

3. The novel’s characters process grief differently. Which character would you choose to write a letter from expressing their feelings about loss, and who would receive this letter? What insights about grief might this letter reveal?

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