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Big City Eyes Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

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Big City Eyes by Delia Ephron

Big City Eyes

A Novel

by Delia Ephron
  • Critics' Consensus (5):
  • Readers' Rating (1):
  • First Published:
  • Apr 1, 2000, 227 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Aug 2001, 256 pages
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Book Club Discussion Questions

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Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

  1. How do Lily's "big city eyes" deceive her when she first arrives in Sakonnet Bay? How does her opinion of this sleepy village change over the course of the novel?
  2. What do you think Lily's life was like in Manhattan? Do you think Sam is the only one who needs saving?
  3. Lily finds the natural world around her threatening. Can you relate with her concerns and anxieties? What is your opinion of the vast night sky?
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  1. How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
  2. What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
  3. Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?


Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Ballantine Books. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.

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