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About the Mercy by Joan Silber Discussion category
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1
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52
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December 26, 2025
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Overall, what did you think of Mercy? (No spoilers in this thread, please!)
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34
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263
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December 26, 2025
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After Eddie recovers from his overdose he's unsure if Ivan survived the night. Why do you think he never looked for information about his friend? Have you ever done an internet search for someone you haven’t spoken to for decades?
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21
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146
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December 26, 2025
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Did you find the beginning of the book particularly dark or difficult? How did your perspective on the tone change as the story continued?
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21
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115
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December 26, 2025
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The author has written other books in this form, with each chapter told by a different character, with links embedded. Why would a writer want to do this? Have you read other novels written this way? How is Silber's different?
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20
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125
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December 26, 2025
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Did you enjoy the setting of New York City in the 70s/80s? Do you think the same story would have been possible elsewhere?
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15
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88
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December 26, 2025
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Were you surprised by the ending? Which characters do and do not receive "mercy"? Do you think the book treats forgiveness as something one has to earn or deserve, or something given freely?
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14
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132
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December 26, 2025
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What do you make of Ivan's pivotal choice? Do you understand where he's coming from? What would you have done differently?
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14
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120
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December 26, 2025
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Isabel and Elena don’t understand why their mother is so intent on helping her father, even though Steve was never a part of Cara’s life. Why do you suppose Cara felt she needed to support him? What would you have done in her place?
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13
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51
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December 26, 2025
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How does the book explore the role of a person's past in their present and future? Did it make you think about anything in your own past?
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12
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55
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December 26, 2025
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Which character's life and choices do you relate to the most? Which has stuck with you after finishing the book?
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12
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119
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December 26, 2025
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Cara is at the hospital and witnesses Ivan abandoning Eddie. In what ways do you think the scene impacts her over the course of her life?
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11
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85
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December 26, 2025
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Ivan follows AA's 12-step program, yet he leaves his behavior toward Eddie out of the process. Do you feel he cheated on the 12-step program, and do you agree with his assessment, that his sobriety is "fraudulent"?
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10
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63
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December 26, 2025
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Nini is forced to return to the United States before she can witness the naming ceremony for an infant. She later learns the child died before the rite could be held. What did you think of her reaction? What lasting impact do you think this had on her?
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9
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55
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December 26, 2025
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Did you expect the way the narrative was told through such a wide variety of characters? Were there different perspectives you wanted to hear from or return to?
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8
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66
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December 26, 2025
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For what audience would you recommend Mercy? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar style?
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7
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77
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December 26, 2025
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Astrid is sued by her second husband, and at first she fights his claim. After playing Helene, though, she agrees to pay him what he wants without further confrontation. What was it about this role that changed her? Why do you suppose she gave in to him?
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6
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28
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December 26, 2025
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How did you feel about the initial shift to Astrid's point of view? How did it change your understanding of the characters?
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6
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71
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December 26, 2025
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What characteristics do the women narrators (Astrid, Cara, Nini, and Isabel) share? In what ways are they different? Do you see any parallels in their lives?
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5
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43
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December 26, 2025
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Do you think gender plays a big role in the paths each character takes through the book? How about society's changing ideas about love and sex?
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5
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50
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December 26, 2025
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Why do you think so much of the book is spent with the young women who weren't part of Ivan's initial story?
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3
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37
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December 26, 2025
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Why do you think the final chapter was written in 3rd person while the remainder was in the 1st person?
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2
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57
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December 26, 2025
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