The Hawk and the Dove: Trilogy*
by Penelope Wilcock
- Are these stories told primarily for Christian readers? Do you think people of other faiths would enjoy the stories?
- Did you like the author’s style of writing? Was the storytelling (where Melissa’s mother told her stories) device effective? How did it change between the three books?
- Each of the three stories in the trilogy were originally published as separate books (The Hawk and the Dove, The Wounds of God, and The Long Fall). Did you like having all three novels combined into one book? How would each novel stand alone? What was unique about each novel?
- Did you have a favorite character and/or story? Why?
- Describe Abbot Father Peregrine. How did he change over the years? What comparisons can you make between him and Jesus Christ?
- Was Abbot Peregrine a good abbot? Why? What did he stand for?
- Compare Father Peregrine to Father Chad (the abbot that took over for Peregrine).
- On page 205, Melissa’s family was talking about the definition of a friend. Lilian said a friend is someone who is always there when you need them. Their father said that a friend is someone you can trust. Susanne said a friend is someone who likes you. and who you like being with. .....Melissa thought a friend is someone who won’t let you down. Mother said, “Well...I’ve had friends who’ve disappointed me. Sometimes, even the ones who loved me have let me down, and not understood, and betrayed my trust. That’s only human nature, isn’t it? I daresay I’ve done as much to them. No, I would say...I learned it from a story great-grandmother Melissa told me...I would say that because we all have our failings and weaknesses, because each of us is only human, a friend - a good friend - is someone who helps you to persevere.” Do you agree?
Give examples amongst the brothers that demonstrate friendship. - Would you consider this a love story? Between whom?
- In the chapter “Keeping Faith” Tom leaves the monastery to be with Linnet, and then returns asking for forgiveness. How did you feel about the way Abbot Peregrine handled the situation (leaving him outside the door in the cold for days).
- Abbot Peregrine had so much wisdom to share. What were some of the things he said that especially touched you?
- Describe the life of a monk in Abbot Peregrine’s monastery? Give examples of times when the brothers questioned the necessity of their suffering and whether it was worth it? Do you think the monk’s way of life was a sign of the times, or can monasteries like this be found today?
*Questions written by Mount Prospect Public Library Staff
Published 2000
