Introduction

Christine Hartmann's mother valued control above all else, yet one event appeared beyond her command: the timing of her own death. Not to be denied there either, two decades in advance Irmgard Hartmann chose the date on which to end her life. And her next step was to tell her daughter all about it. For twenty years, Irmgard maintained an unwavering goal, to commit suicide at age seventy. She managed her chronic hypertension, stayed healthy and active, and lived life to the fullest. Meanwhile, Christine fought desperately against the decision. When Irmgard wouldn't listen, the only way to remain part of her life was for Christine to swallow her mother's plans--hook, line, and sinker.

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Excerpt

When my mother and I talked about her plans, the conversations frequently repeated themselves. I knew she was serious, and I thought long and hard about the most logical arguments I could make to try and dissuade her. But she had a response for everything. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

From the author:

1) What emotions did you feel while reading So Far Away? Did any of your reactions surprise you?

2) Love between parents and children is a strong theme in the book. In what ways did Irmgard and Hans show their love for Tina? In what ways did Tina show her love for her parents?

3) What was the significance of the discussions Hans and Tina had about his moving to a retirement community? Why did they not agree on this subject? How did their feelings change over time?

4) A moment of understanding comes when Tina perceives "the insidious baggage my family had handed down from generation to generation." In what ways is this realization true? How were Tina's parents influenced by their pasts? How did the past shape Tina's own actions?

5) What ethical and moral dilemmas did Tina face in the book? How did she cope with them? What do you imagine you would have done in her place?

6) Debates about physician assisted suicide are often in the news these days. How were Irmgard's actions similar to and/or different from the content of these debates?

Weblinks

»	Publisher's Book Info
»	Author Christine Hartman's web site

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