Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions reveal important details about When Madeline Was Young by Jane Hamilton. Finish the book before reading on.
- Why do you think When Madeline Was Young starts with a memory Mac had about Buddy? What role does Buddy play in Mac's coming of age? How does he affect Mac's view of himself and his family?
- Do you sense more love or disdain between Mac and Buddy? How does their relationship change as they get older? What are the things that drive them apart? Can they ever be truly close or are they too different?
- In the first chapter, Mac says his parents, "absorbed Madeline's tragedy into everyday life so seamlessly it was unimportant to dwell on the circumstances." As you learned more of the story, did you agree with Mac's assessment of his parents? Did they integrate Madeline into their lives well? Did they have as loving a marriage as Mac thought they did?
- After Julia's funeral, Figgy comments, "I'm just sorry that her caritas didn't extend to me." Why was Julia unable to get along with Figgy and Arthur? What drove Julia to argue with them at Christmas and other occasions when she could have let niceties rule? At what point did their fun-spirited arguments turn more serious?
- Figgy criticizes Julia & Aaron for infantilizing Madeline? Do you think it helped Madeline or hurt her to be treated as a little girl with dolls and horses? Do you think it helped integrate Madeline into the family to be treated as a child by Aaron and Julia and a sibling by Mac and Louise? Do you agree with Figgy's criticism?
- Madeline's sexuality is an issue Mac has to deal with as he transitions out of childhood. Do you think it was right of Julia to let Madeline and Mikey O'Day have sex in the house as freely as they wanted? How did Madeline and Mikey's relationship affect Mac and Louise?
- Do you agree with Julia or Mrs. O'Day on the issue of marriage between Mikey and Madeline?
- What is the significance of the fashion show Jerry Pindel puts on with Madeline? In what ways is Jerry taking advantage of her? What is Mac most appalled by--the fashion show, the sexual humiliation, or the fact that Buddy is the one called to her rescue?
- Do you agree with Louise that Russia is basically a slave or do you think she enjoys her role in the Maciver family? Does employing Russia seem counter to Julia's socially conscious nature?
- Does Mac love his wife? Does he still love Sophia Cooper? Which woman do you think is a better companion for him?
- Do Mac and Buddy reach a new level of understanding at the funeral?
- What is the significance of the story Figgy tells about Madeline in Italy as a youth? Why does Buddy want Madeline to remember it when they are in Italy together? Do you think she did remember anything?
- Do you think Madeline was happy?
- Rate When Madeline Was Young on a scale of 1 to 5.
