When Crickets Cry: a Novel of the Heart

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

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. When Crickets Cry is filled with metaphors and symbols related to the heart—both the physical organ and the emotional center. How did Martin’s dual approach to the heart affect your overall experience of the novel? Did you find yourself more drawn to the medical aspects or the emotional symbolism?

2. The novel’s title references both Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the crickets that Annie raises for bait. How did the title’s meaning evolve for you as you read the story, and how does it connect to the larger themes of sacrifice and redemption?

3. Charles Martin often explores themes of healing and redemption across his novels. How does When Crickets Cry compare to other stories you’ve read, whether Martin’s works like The Mountain Between Us or other novels, that deal with medical professionals confronting their past failures?

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

1. Reese struggles with forgiving himself for his perceived failure in saving Emma, while Charlie readily forgives him for the accident that caused his blindness. Have you ever experienced the challenge of self-forgiveness even when others have forgiven you?

2. The novel portrays some of the different ways people cope with grief—Reese isolates himself and clings to memories, while Charlie embraces joy. Which character’s approach to loss resonates more with your own experiences?

3. Emma tells young Reese, “Every heart has two parts, the part that pumps and the part that loves. If you’re going to spend your life fixing broken hearts, then learn about both” (80). How do you balance the practical and emotional aspects of your own work or calling?

4. Annie sells lemonade to raise money for her heart transplant, showing remarkable hope and resilience despite her situation. When have you witnessed or demonstrated similar determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles?

5. Water serves as an important symbol throughout the novel—from Lake Burton, where Reese rows to process his emotions, to The Well, where Davis ministers to thirsty souls. What places or activities serve as healing sanctuaries in your own life?

6. Reese and Charlie restore old boats as a hobby, bringing new life to damaged vessels. What creative or restorative activities in your own life have helped you process difficult emotions or find healing?

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

1. The novel portrays a rural Georgia community where people like Davis minister to others outside traditional church settings. How does the book’s portrayal of faith and community compare to religious practices and community support systems you’ve observed?

2. Annie’s family faces significant financial barriers to accessing the healthcare she needs, leading her to sell lemonade to help pay for her transplant. How does the novel address the realities of healthcare access and costs in America?

3. Throughout the novel, Reese and other characters value different types of knowledge—academic learning, emotional intelligence, faith-based wisdom, and practical skills. How do these various forms of knowledge reflect broader societal values about education and expertise?

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

1. Martin structures the novel with frequent flashbacks that gradually reveal Reese’s past with Emma. How does this narrative technique build tension and enhance our understanding of Reese’s guilt and motivation?

2. The cardinal story in Chapter 11 serves as a powerful metaphor for Reese and Emma’s relationship. How does this story-within-a-story illuminate aspects of their bond that might otherwise remain unexpressed?

3. Lake Burton itself has a powerful backstory as a town that was deliberately flooded to create electrical power for others. How does this setting mirror the sacrificial themes in the novel, particularly regarding heart donation?

4. The novel features several Christ-like figures or redemption agents—Charlie forgives, Davis ministers to troubled souls at The Well, and Annie brings healing through her innocence. How do these characters collectively contribute to the novel’s spiritual message?

5. Compare and contrast Emma and Annie—both have the same heart condition, but they play different roles in Reese’s life. How does Martin use these parallel characters to show Reese’s growth?

6. The recurring nightmare where Reese holds a cracked pitcher reveals his subconscious feelings about his abilities as a doctor. How does this dream imagery connect to biblical symbolism and Reese’s arc throughout the story?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were to design a bookmark or cover art for When Crickets Cry, what images, colors, or symbols would you include to capture the essence of the novel?

2. Imagine writing a letter from Emma to Reese that might have been in that third envelope he finally opens. What would you include to help him move forward?

3. The novel ends with hope for a new beginning between Reese and Cindy. Imagine their life five years in the future. How might their shared experiences with Annie and their respective pasts shape their relationship?

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