The Saturdays

One of the story’s themes is The Fraught and Formative Bonds Between Siblings. Choose two of the Melendy siblings and reflect on their ups and downs over the course of the book. Consider points of tension, cooperation, and care, and what this reveals about their relationship.

Mrs. Oliphant is a minor but important character in the story. What do Randy’s initial perceptions of Mrs. Oliphant reveal about Randy herself? As she gets to know Mrs. Oliphant and her perceptions shift, does she learn to see herself differently as well?

With their newfound independence, the Melendy kids all embrace the novelty of doing things on their own. What does their independence suggest about the culture of parenting in the late 1930s as compared to today?

What do the children’s hobbies and interests reveal about their personalities, ambitions, and life stages? Analyze each and include references to the text.

The Saturdays is set in New York City in the early 1940s. Which aspects of its setting, dialogue, and events bring this historical period to life? Answer with references to the story.

Elizabeth Enright infuses scenes of childhood and family life with humor. Choose a funny scene and explain how the author uses word choice, dialogue, imagery or other devices to add humor to the story.

To what degree do the children’s white, upper-middle-class identities shape their experience of the city, for instance by granting them access and influencing the way others treat them? Does the novel engage with issues of racial and class inequality?

Mrs. Oliphant observes that Randy does not find her life “hum-drum” because she is curious, present, and open-minded. How does the novel reinforce these values throughout? Which characters embody these values, and which characters or events push back against them?