Book Summary and Reviews of The Widows by Jess Montgomery

Book Summary

Inspired by the true story of Ohio's first female sheriff, Jess Montgomery's powerful, lyrical debut is the story of two women who take on murder and corruption at the heart of their community.

Kinship, Ohio, 1924: When Lily Ross learns that her husband, Daniel, the town's widely respected sheriff, has been killed while transporting a prisoner in an apparent accident, she vows to seek the truth about his death.

Hours after his funeral, a stranger appears at her door. Marvena Whitcomb, a coal miner's widow, is unaware that Daniel has died and begs to speak with him about her missing daughter.

From miles away but worlds apart, Lily's and Marvena's lives collide as they realize that Daniel was perhaps not the man that either of them believed him to be.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. In the introduction to the The Widows, a hawk's hunt and the Widow maker collapse are juxtaposed. Both the mine's collapse and the image of a hawk go on to play significant and symbolic roles in the story. Why do you think the author chose to start by tying these events together? What is the connection between the two?
2. In Chapter 7, Lily notes that the men who have offered her the role of sheriff have underestimated her. In what ways do you think her actions exemplify this observation? How does this statement relate to Marvena, too—could you say that she, too, is underestimated?
3. Setting plays an important role in this story. How might the story be different without the mountains and forests as its backdrop?
4. ...