Past the Shallows Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Abalone Fishing and our BookBrowse Review of Past the Shallows.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. Aunty Jean is the only female role model the boys have left. She is at times cruel and caring towards them. Do you consider her a good person? Do you have any sympathy for her? What references within the text have led you to this opinion?
   


2. Do you think George Fuller sees Harry as just another puppy to rescue? Or does he genuinely care for Harry? There are a few other works of literature that use an ostracised figure in the community to enhance our understanding of the main characters. Why do you think this can be is a useful plot device, and do you think it's effective here?
   


3. This is a small community where everyone knows who everyone is as we can see from Mr Roberts, George and Mrs Martin in the store. In light of this, why do you think the boys' home life is allowed to continue? What is the role of men in this community?
   

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