Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

Being inside the protagonist’s head can be a fraught and frustrating place for the reader. But it also provides insight that delivers tremendous learning. With that in mind, we invite you to reflect on the
following questions to expand your understanding of the novel.

Consider Julie’s questions below as you read the novel:

1. Guerrieri presents a view of “motherhood under pressure”. Think about the stress Leah experiences as a mother, wife, daughter-in-law, friend and artist. Is the pressure to perform external, internal, social, all of the above?
2. The phrase "between the devil and the deep blue sea" refers to being caught between two equally difficult choices. Consider the ways this metaphor develops throughout the novel. What are the difficult choices? How is the ocean significant in the novel and does it always suit the metaphor?
3. Leah shares snippets of her childhood, including her parents’ approach to child rearing. How might the way she was raised influence her own parenting and her self perception as a mother?
4. How reliable is Leah as a narrator? For example, consider Leah’s description of her relationship with Christine. Is it an accurate reflection? Does it reveal anything about Leah’s sense of self?
5. The novel offers a broad exploration of mothering. Compare and contrast the mothers represented in the novel, including the mother figures of Rita and Nana.
6. Because the story is told through Leah’s eyes, the reader has an intimate view of her slow unraveling. How does that affect your emotional engagement with the story?