Spoiler Alert: Do Not Read if You Have Not Finished the Novel

1. At the beginning of the novel, Harper suggests that twelve years after the incident at the river he wants only to find forgiveness, to make amends for his involvement in the crime. Do you think that by the end of the novel he has done so? Why or why not? Is he forgiven? If so, by whom? Do you, the reader, forgive him?

2. Discuss the role that race plays in this novel. Is the crime against the carny racially motivated? Does what happened to Harper’s mother factor into this decision? What are Brooder’s motives?
Why do you think Harper agrees to take Maggie in?

3. What role does religion play in this novel? Do you think that Harper believes in God? Of what significance is the scene at the makeshift chapel in Roxbury?

4. Two Rivers, at its core, is a love story. Discuss the relationship between Harper and Betsy (both as children and as young adults). Does the tragedy of losing Betsy justify Harper’s involvement in the scene at the river? Consider the blackberry imagery…both in the description of the carny’s skin color and the memory he has of Betsy plucking a blackberry in summertime.

5. Discuss the mothers in this novel: Mrs. Parker, Helen Wilder, Betsy. How do each of them reject/redefine/embrace motherhood? Are they victims of their times, why or why not?

6. Discuss Betsy’s pregnancy. What sacrifices do you think she makes to keep Harper from going to Vietnam? Did she have a choice?

7. Is Harper a good father to Shelly? Will he be a good father to Wilder? Discuss his relationship with his own father.

8. In the end of the novel, Maggie suggests she might like to be a teacher when she grows up. What is it that she teaches Harper?

9. Why does Harper decide to leave Two Rivers? Could he and his new family have moved on without leaving?

10. Discuss the symbolism of the two rivers and their confluence.