Compare the patriarchal legacies of the different father figures in the narrative. In what ways do their children challenge or perpetuate the behavioral patterns established by their fathers?

In Chapter 6, Jo Leevers shifts from Evelyn’s perspective to multiple viewpoints. What is the effect of this narrative strategy on the novel’s pacing and its treatment of interconnected community secrets?

How does the novel use the physical space of the museum to represent the changing psychological states of Evelyn and the Portheast community? Use at least three examples from the novel to support your position.

Citing specific evidence from the text, to what extent do the “found communities” in the novel successfully replace or repair the failures of traditional family structures? Analyze both the strengths and limitations of these chosen connections.

Research the history of Britain’s mother and baby homes, such as the Rosemundy Home. How does understanding this real-world context inform your interpretation of the novel’s treatment of shame, secrecy, and maternal identity?

The novel contrasts the “naive” art of Alfred Wallis with the abstract modernism of Peter Lanyon. What is the relationship between authenticity in the art world and authenticity in the characters’ personal histories?

Beyond their function in advancing the plot, what is the relationship between the museum’s discarded objects and the psychological states of the characters who are connected to them?

How does the novel’s connection between the historical powerlessness of Cora-May and the contemporary struggles of Alison illuminate the evolution of female autonomy across generations?