Shatter My Rock (23 page)

Discussion
Questions

1.
Although her life is idyllic at the beginning of the novel, Claire is haunted
by traumatic events of the past: her brother’s death; her father’s desertion of
the family; and her mother’s mental collapse. How do these events affect
Claire’s marriage? Her fertility choices? Her response to Owen’s illness?

2.
The author chose to tell this story in the first-person perspective. How does
this affect the emotional impact of the novel?

3.
What is the role of fate in the novel?

4.
Claire and Tim’s marriage is a reversal of the norm (she works; he stays at
home). How does this affect their relationship dynamics?

5.
Claire’s reaction to learning she has been raped is understated. What stops her
from responding more intensely?

6.
Many novels feature likable protagonists. How do you feel about Claire? Is she
relatable? Do you empathize with her? Pity her? Condemn her? 

7.
Claire is convinced Owen has Dukate Disease. At her trial, it is suggested Owen
may have been suffering from seizures related to late-onset group B strep
instead. This question is never fully resolved in the novel. Does it matter?

8.
Claire commits one of the most reviled acts in our society: infanticide. Is
this an act of mercy? Selfishness? Something else?

9.
The novel cannot be fully discussed without raising the topic of euthanasia.
Which side, if any, of the euthanasia debate does the novel favor?

10. The novel ends with
Claire in prison. Is this ending realistic? Justified? Explain.