BKMT READING GUIDES
The Woman at the Light: A Novel
by Joanna Brady
Published: 2012-07-03
Paperback : 352 pages
Paperback : 352 pages
4 members reading this now
7 clubs reading this now
4 members have read this book
7 clubs reading this now
4 members have read this book
One afternoon in 1839, Emily Lowry’s husband vanishes from Wreckers’ Cay, an isolated island off the coast of Key West where he tends to the lighthouse. As days stretch into months, Emily has no choice but take charge of Wrecker’s Cay and her husband’s duties tending the light to ...
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Introduction
One afternoon in 1839, Emily Lowry’s husband vanishes from Wreckers’ Cay, an isolated island off the coast of Key West where he tends to the lighthouse. As days stretch into months, Emily has no choice but take charge of Wrecker’s Cay and her husband’s duties tending the light to support her three children—and a fourth on the way. Unexpected help arrives when a runaway slave named Andrew washes up on their beach. At first, Emily is intensely wary of this strange, charming man, whose very presence there is highly illegal. But Andrew proves himself an enormous help and soon wins the hearts of the Lowry family. And—far from the outside world and society’s rules—his place in Emily’s life, as steadfast now as the light, will forever change their futures. When Emily’s family is ripped apart once again, she faces untold hardships that test her love and determination and show how the passionate love of a defiant, determined woman can overcome any obstacle.
Excerpt
Chapter 1Wreckers’ Cay, May 13, 1839
It was fully three years after we first arrived on Wreckers’ Cay--almost to the day--that my husband vanished one May afternoon. I had just completed the children’s school lessons when it occurred to me that Martin was late coming home. He had sailed off earlier from the dock, smiling and waving lazily at our son Timothy, who was pouting at being left behind--that last wave a gesture forever etched in the chambers of my mind. ... view entire excerpt...
Discussion Questions
1) The book deals with a relationship between a black slave and a white woman. How do you think this would have been dealt with if it had been discovered?2) How do you regard Emily for taking the chance on such a love affair?: As someone recklessly endangering her family, or as an admirably tough woman with determination and pragmatism?
3) Do you see parallels between slavery and feminism in the 19th century? How do you think a strong woman like Emily would have felt about it? Do you see any other themes in the book that are as true today as they were then?
Book Club Recommendations
Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 3 members.
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