The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Name: The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb
Rating: 4.8 (4 reviews)
Author: Melanie Benjamin
ISBN: 9780385344159

The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb

A Novel

by Melanie Benjamin

BookBrowse Review:

Critics' Consensus (4):

Readers' Rating (8):

First Published:
Jul 26, 2011, 448 pages

Paperback:
Apr 2012, 448 pages

Book Reviewed by:
Elizabeth Whitmore Funk
X
- Literary Fiction
- Historical Fiction
- Romance/Love Stories
- USA
- 19th Century
- Generational Sagas
- Strong Women
- Physical & Mental Differences
Genres & Themes
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Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Mercy Lavinia and our BookBrowse Review of The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

Discussion Questions

What are the parallels between Vinnie's celebrity and the definition of celebrity today?

Why did Vinnie determine to only communicate her optimism - what was she trying to hide behind, or hide from herself, by choosing not to dwell on the many obstacles in her way?

Why did Vinnie go along with Barnum's humbug concerning the infant?

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How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
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 Random House. 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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Reviews

Beyond the Book:
Mercy Lavinia

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