MOTHERLAND

William Nicholson is a screenwriter, playwright, television writer, and novelist. Perhaps best known for his Academy Award-nominated screenplays for Shadowlands and Gladiator, he is also the author of several young adult and fantasy novels and a sequence of contemporary adult novels set in England. He lives in Sussex, England.

“A terrific book with a wonderful understanding of life in pre-war and post-war Britain. The description of the abortive Dieppe landings are extraordinary.”—Julia Gregson, author of East of the Sun and Jasmine Nights

“Nicholson’s great strength lies in his ability to make the reader understand and care about his characters; he loves them and we get to love them too.”—Elizabeth Jane Howard, author of the Cazalet Chronicle

“A wartime love story in the tradition of Atonement…affecting.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Nicholson pays careful attention to historical details. He develops central characters that stir our emotions and keep us engaged.”—Library Journal, starred review

When Alice travels to Normandy, her grandmother Pamela tells her there was one true love story in the family. To whom do you think she was referring–Kitty and Ed, or Kitty and Larry? Discuss why.

How might the current generation, including Guy Caulder and his daughter Alice Dickinson, repeat the past joys and mistakes of their family? How can knowing the stories of the past guide them along the way?

The prologue states, “You lead the life you choose to lead.” How does this statement set the tone for Motherland?

Ed says to Larry, “You can’t deny that most people are unhappy most of the time” (p. 115). Discuss the feelings of unhappiness felt by the characters throughout the story. What outside influences made an impact, and how did each contribute to their own sorrow?

Larry says to Kitty, “There are so few good men in books” (p. 103). In what ways are the men in Motherland good, and how are they bad?

Kitty has a seemingly magnetic beauty and personality that makes men like Ed and Larry fall in love with her. What about her is so alluring?

Before the battle at Dieppe, Kitty says about Ed’s inherent sadness, “I think that’s almost what makes me love him the most” (p. 107). How does this foreshadow Kitty’s future with Ed?

The raid on the beaches at Dieppe is viewed as one of the worst disasters of the war. Compare Larry’s and Ed’s experiences at Dieppe, and the repercussions it had on each of them.

The Victoria Cross is a double-edged sword for Ed. Discuss his role as a reluctant hero.

How does fear impact Larry Cornford—as a soldier, an artist, a son, a husband, and a businessman? In what area of his life is he most fearless?

Throughout Motherland, seemingly perfect marriages (Kitty and Ed, Larry and Geraldine, Louisa and George) all have their problems. How does each person contribute to the success or failure of their relationship?

Compare Larry’s relationships with Nell and Geraldine, and the role of sex in each.

Compare Ed’s roles as a husband and father. What is he able to provide for Pamela that he cannot give to Kitty, and how does this impact their family dynamic?

Cecil Owen describes India and Jamaica as “angry children.” He says, “if you spend 300 years telling people they’re children, they become afraid to go out alone” (p. 457). How does this tie into the greater themes of both Fyffes and the title Motherland?

Motherland explores the roles of marriage, love, and happiness. Discuss where these themes intersect and where they do not.

London’s The Sunday Times has said that author William Nicholson’s writing “widens one’s sense of what it means to be human.” How does Motherland achieve this?