Book Club Questions for Never Done

          Book Club Questions for the novel Never Done by Ginger Dehlinger

1. In the first scene of Never Done, Clara is helping her aunt with the weekly laundry. Describe what you learn about Clara in this scene.

 2. The novel is divided into seven parts. What do the headings for each part represent, and in what traditional children’s song can you find them? Give an example of something described in Part IV that supports the heading "To Market, To Market." 

 3. Clara’s father Albert is strict and businesslike during most of the story. Give an example or two of gestures or comments he makes that show his softer side.

 4. During most of the story Clara and Geneva are antagonists. Given similar circumstances, would the same barriers to friendship exist today? At what point does their relationship turn around? What does each character do at this point that indicates she has changed?

 5. The character of Geneva is depicted as a flirt, self-centered and spoiled. In which scenes does she show a bit of compassion or maturity?

 6. Clara moves from LaJara to Naturita, to Durango, to Gunnison, to Ophir Loop, and finally Montrose, Colorado. What do you think she means in this scene from chapter 37? “Whither thou goest,” she mumbled. She reached into the cupboard for another plate. “Ludicrous.” Were you ever forced to move through no fault of your own? How did you feel about it, and did your feelings change after the move was made?

7. Although sorrow and disappointment seem to follow Clara, which of the places she lived in and the life she led there do you think was her favorite?

 8. The genre for Never Done is historical fiction. Did you learn something about U.S. history that you did not know before reading this novel? Please share what you learned.

 9. Based on this novel’s conclusion, how do you imagine Clara’s life will be going forward?