The roles of women as sisters, friends, daughters, wives, aunts, and mothers—and how they are perceived to have succeeded or failed in those roles—is explored throughout the book. What was your emotional response to the development of the relationship between Emily and Dorothy? Which other relationships in the book particularly resonated with you?
Emily was a devoted sister and it felt like she didn’t think twice about taking in Dorothy. You could just feel Emily’s struggle to connect with her on a “mom” level but in the end, they got there. I enjoyed the relationship between the three sisters, although I wish Nell could have been more involved. She seemed a little like a mother figure to Annie and Emily. I also loved the relationship of the ladies in Kansas who gathered in the evening to share stories of life at home and gossip. I think these girlfriend relationships are so important for women and I’m thankful to have good friends in my life.
I enjoyed all of the relationships in this book. Each played an important part in telling this well-imagined story. Emily had a good foundation beginning with her mother/daughter relationship that grew into the sisterhood and eventually the relationships she shared with the town ladies, her fellow farmers. Each relationship showed how important it is to support the ones you love and even those who you find annoying such as the town’s busy body.
I thought the evolving relationship between Emily and Dorothy to be emotionally compelling. It shifted from distant and then duty to something richer.
I was happy to see the relationship between Dorothy and Emily grow and develop. When a parental relationship happens due to adoption or life circumstances, and the child is no longer a baby, it takes work to build the trust, comfort and love. This is especially true, when both are suffering a loss.
I so value my “found family” of girlfriends, that I always smile when another woman builds her grouping. When Emily became invested with her fellow neighborhood woman, I was glad for her. It really does make things easier. This is not meant to be a bashing on men, I just personally think women need other women…or at least I do!
I loved watching the blossoming of the relationship between Auntie Em and Dorothy. While I haven’t experienced an identical situation it reminds me of the times I let down my walls and opened my heart to some friends. I truly believe that this is how I got my best friend and confidante.
I also loved how Adelaide was able to get Emily to open up so quickly. That takes a very special person. I call my best friend my free therapist!