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Book Jacket

The Ninth Hour

A crowning achievement of one of the finest American writers at work today.

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Excerpt
Reading Guide
Author Biography

Discuss The Ninth Hour by Alice McDermott

How did you feel about the sequence of events leading up to Mrs. Costello's death? How soon did you realize what Sally was planning?

12

Oct. 09, 2018
by valeriem

What is 'the ninth hour' and how is it observed in the convent? Why might Alice McDermott have chosen this title?

9

Oct. 03, 2018
by bobbie7

Were you taught by nuns at any point in your schooling? If so, what are your most lasting memories?

13

Oct. 03, 2018
by bobbie7

How does the work that the sisters choose suit their individual talents and personalities? How do they differ in their beliefs? Which are you most drawn to?

3

Oct. 03, 2018
by SD Reader

How did you feel reading about Sally's experience on the train ride to Chicago? How was she changed by the events that occurred there? Could you relate to her revulsion or did you find her response dramatic?

9

Oct. 03, 2018
by SD Reader

Overall, what did you think of The Ninth Hour? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

24

Sep. 30, 2018
by shirleyf

How does Red Whelan's fate reverberate down through the generations of the Tierney family? What did you think the author was trying to say about sacrifice through this character?

6

Sep. 30, 2018
by shirleyf

The Ninth Hour is as much a series of linked stories as it is one story told chronologically. What do you think of the format?

18

Sep. 30, 2018
by shirleyf

Why do you think Annie is not dismissed from the convent laundry after her 'indiscretion' with Mr. Costello? Did you relate to McDermott's discussion of the different types of 'hunger'?

6

Sep. 30, 2018
by shirleyf

What did you think about McDermott's theme relating to the wisdom imparted by the older characters to the young?

5

Sep. 30, 2018
by shirleyf

What do we know about Sally and Patrick's married life? What strengths and faults have each of them brought to the marriage?

8

Sep. 28, 2018
by sandra54

Why did Sister Jeanne tell Sally's children that she has 'lost heaven'? Do you think she was being too hard on herself?

7

Sep. 28, 2018
by sandra54

What does Sally learn from Sister Lucy, not only about nursing, but also about the human capacity for cruelty and kindness? How do you think Sister Lucy's prickly personality makes her a better caretaker?

3

Sep. 20, 2018
by scgirl

How are Liz's beliefs and the practice of her faith different from Annie's, and how do they make this friendship work? Do you have friendships like this in your life?

6

Sep. 20, 2018
by scgirl

How does Annie choose to remember her husband, Jim? How is his daughter, Sally, like him? Do you relate to the grandchildren's response when they finally learn the truth about his death?

3

Sep. 14, 2018
by reene

Did you find Mrs. Costello to be a sympathetic character or did you merely pity her? How was Sally changed by her death?

16

Sep. 10, 2018
by paulagb

Why do you think McDermott chose 'Stabat Mater' for the title of the chapter about Sally coming home and discovering the truth about Annie and Mr. Costello?

6

Sep. 09, 2018
by reene

Who are the truth tellers in the book? Who lies, embellishes, or withholds the truth, and what do you think about their reasons for doing so? How does the family's story change as it is told and retold?

5

Sep. 09, 2018
by reene

How did the Sisters' religious faith help them when serving the community? Why do you suppose Sally has trouble incorporating this level of faith into her own life?

4

Sep. 07, 2018
by paulagb

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