His Little Women stands alone very well, but discussion groups may find that a reading of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women will further enhance their appreciation and insight into Rossner's book. The emphasis in both books is on family, particularly on the bonds between sisters, and this is an important theme to pursue in discussion. Equally intriguing is the whole idea of artistic creation — what fiction is, how it relates to "truth," how a writer uses the people and experiences he or she knows in his or her work, and how a writer's awareness of potential audiences can affect the final product.

1. Is Sam Pearlstein a good father?

Do you find him to be an attractive character? Why or why not?

2. The mothers all seem to be eclipsed by Sam in their daughters' eyes. Explain why this is so, given the fact that Sam was...