QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
1. The title of the book, Between a Wolf and a Dog, comes from a French expression, L’heure entre chien et loup which refers to the twilight hour between day and night, where shadows make it difficult to tell the difference between a wolf and dog. Do you think the title evokes a certain feeling throughout the book? If so, what is it?
2. Ester, April, Hilary, and Lawrence each have their story told from their own perspective. Why do you think this narrative device was chosen?
3. Each of these four characters has a deep sadness —in some cases related to each other. How do you think that sadness is expressed throughout the book in their actions?
4. We don’t find out the secret between Lawrence and April until towards the end of the book. Were you suprised by this reveal? And did it change your opinion of the characters?
5. Hilary has a sense of solitariness in her illness. Even though she has her daughters to support her, she wants autonomy over her own body. What do you think about Hilary’s final decision? And how do you think Ester and April will react to Lawrence’s part in it? How do you think Lawrence will feel about the part he’s played?
6. The relationship between Ester and April is fraught with disappointment and betrayal. We get the impression that this has been the case since they were children. Discuss the sisters’ relationship and how it affects the wider family.
7. On page 196, Blain writes of Lawrence, ‘This was the way it had always been. As soon as he finally held what he wanted in his hands, he lost it.’ What has Lawrence lost? Discuss the part he plays in each of the women’s stories.
8. Amidst the hurt and sadness scattered throughout this book, there is a beautiful, warm sense of love and compassion. Where did you find this? And between which characters?
9. Do you think April and Ester will reconcile? Why or why not?
10. Discuss the themes of mortality, grief, and forgiveness as expressed in the book.