The Mermaid Chair Book Club Discussion Questions

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd received mixed reviews, but still topped the best sellers lists. Use these book club discussion questions when your book club discusses The Mermaid Chair to draw out the pros and cons of this beach novel.

1. What role does the mermaid chair in the monastery play in Jessie's life? In the novel?
   
   
2. Why do you think Sue Monk Kidd chose to tell parts of the story from Whit's perspective and part from Jessie's? Only a small portion is told from Hugh's perspective. Did this add to your understanding of the characters? Are there other characters you wanted to hear from?
   
   
3. What was your reaction to Jessie's relationship with Whit? Do you think it was justified? Inevitable? Did you sympathize with Jessie?
   
   
4. Do you think it was necessary for Jessie to commit adultery in order to find her identity? Did it save her marriage?
   
   
5. What caused Jessie's mother to cut off her fingers? Do you think she found peace in the end?
   
   
6. Do you agree with Jessie's father's decision to choose when and how he would die? Do you think it made life any easier for Jessie or her mother?
   
   
7. Which characters did you like the most? Were their any characters who you did not like?
   
   
8. Why do you think Sue Monk Kidd set The Mermaid Chair in 1986 rather than in the 21st century (which is when she wrote it)?
   
   
9. How does the setting affect the story?
   
   
10. Rate The Mermaid Chair on a scale of 1 to 5.