Ann Weisgarber
Discussion – The Glovemaker
- The story has two narrators. Is this Deborah’s story? Or Nels’? Or is this a story about a community?
- Nels, Deborah, and Samuel came to Junction to separate themselves from their former lives. Does Junction give them the fresh start they desire? How do they fight the forces that attempt to pull them back to the past? Or do they?
- Deborah, Samuel, and Nels were raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) but as adults they are not devout. They do not believe in polygamy, yet they help LDS men who are accused of committing this felony. What would you do if you found yourself in a similar legal and moral situation? Could you turn your back on one of your own? Or would you help even though it means breaking the law?
- Samuel was eleven when he was baptized into the church. How is his perspective about the church different from Deborah’s and Nels’?
- Deborah and Nels constantly bend the truth to protect themselves, each other, and their community. When does bending the truth first begin? What is the chain of events that follow?
- Nels and Braden make a critical decision about the marshal’s fate. What is the chain of events that follow that decision?
- How does Samuel’s disappearance impact Deborah’s decisions about the marshal?
- What is the importance of Mountain Meadows to the novel?
- The marshal’s desire to capture Braden leads him to break the law. Is his motive a good excuse? Or should he have abided by the law? What would you do if you were in a similar situation?
- What is the turning point(s) in Deborah’s feelings about the marshal?
- What were some truths that Deborah and Nels are eventually forced to face?
- Are there any historical events in The Glovemaker that are new for you? Surprising?
- What do you think happens next to the characters?
