1. When Darla grew up and left home, why, considering her miserable childhood, did she remain within striking distance of Momma? Even in "normal families," mothers and daughters frequently butt heads. Why do you think that is? What were Darla's true feelings toward Rhonda?

2. Nowadays many women, single and married, successfully juggle marriage and their chosen profession. Darla, however, has for a long time believed that she can only be fully successful and independent if she leaves Paradise and family behind. In her case, do you think she's right? What do you see in her future?

3. Unlike Rhonda, who rolls over and plays dead in the face of adversity, Darla appears strong and tenacious, but she has her weaknesses. What are they? How do the events of our upbringing shape us and make us who we are? And why, do you think, does an identical upbringing affect each child differently?

4. The novel is relentless in its portrayal of the hostile and prejudicial nature of people. How did you react to the motivations and behavior of some of the characters toward one another-specifically the hostile relationship Momma and Elijah shared, Elijah's feelings about anyone who's not Baptist, Frank's resentment of Darla, and the prejudice directed at the Moons by the townsfolk of Paradise?

5. Darla and Rhonda never discussed the fact that they might not have the same father. Would their relationship have been different had they known for certain they had different fathers? Why do so many families have difficulty discussing their turbulent pasts?

6. Do you believe in apparitions? In your opinion, who is Shamir? What does he represent? Why does he reveal himself to Darla?

7. In your opinion, how did the abortion ultimately affect Darla? Why did she sense the child nearby?

8. In your opinion, what circumstances prompted Momma to embark on a life of prostitution? How did her lifestyle affect Darla and Rhonda's attitudes and behavior in adult life? At any time during the novel, did your assessment of Momma change? If so, how did it change and why?

9. What is your opinion of Reverend Spirit E. Jackson as a man, and as a preacher? Do you think he truly loved Darla-or was he, possibly, merely psychologically infatuated by "the fallen woman?" If, as Darla claimed, she truly loved Spirit, why do you think she decided not marry him?

10. At the story's end, did you see any character's change for the better? Which character changed the least?

11. It is said forgiveness speeds the healing and growing process. Do you believe Darla would benefit if she resolved the ongoing conflict with her mother and forgave her? If you were Darla, could you forgive and forget?