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Guide for Neecey's Lullaby
About This Book
Neecey had the perfect 1950s life with mom, dad, sister,
brother, and a cast of family members that made her feel as loved as a
TV daughter. However, her world is shattered after her parents marriage
falls apart. Ruby plunges into depression and anger, yelling and
hitting her children without warning. She drifts into one bad
relationship after another, neglecting her children for the false
comfort she finds in the men. Her neglect causes ten-year-old Neecey
to become a surrogate mother to her five younger siblings, some mere
babies. Yet, despite the trauma, Neecey's love for her sisters and
brother, and ultimately herself, helps her find the inner strength to
succeed.
Discussion Questions
-
Jesse
disappears from the novel by chapter 4 and does not reappear until
chapter 16. What’s the motivation for focusing on him in the first
three chapters?
-
Neecey’s Lullaby is set in the mid-1950s through early 1970s.
Think about why the author might have chosen this time period instead
of a more contemporary setting.
-
Della is
aware of the beatings administered by Ruby. Why doesn’t she interfere?
-
Miss Cole
is concerned about Ruby’s treatment of Neecey. Why doesn’t she contact
the authorities? What resources do today’s teachers have to help
abused children? What resources do family, neighbors, and children
have? What legal steps would be taken against a mother like Ruby
today?
-
Throughout
the novel, Ruby is in one bad relationship after another. How does
this impact her relationship with the children? Which relationship or
relationships are the children most comfortable with? Which
relationship had the worse impact on the children? Why?
-
Knowing
that Ruby chose the name Darcy Bane to reflect a poisonous
relationship, why do you think she chose the names Serenda Joy and
Jordan?
-
Although
Ruby is abusive, Neecey often stands up to her. When and why?
-
After his
accident, why does Manny think Ruby is the wrong person to care for
him? Why is he upset that Neecey is moving?
-
In the
final confrontation with Ruby, Jordan claims that Neecey has always
been their mother. Why?
-
How would
the novel change if it was told from Ruby’s point of view? Odessa’s
point of view? Jack’s point of view?
Discussion questions provided
courtesy of Broadway.
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