1. Does McInerney's characterization of Alison seem realistic? Why or why not?

2. Why does the phrase "in lust," recur throughout the novel? What thematic purpose does it serve?

3. What comments does McInerney seem to be making about relationships in the modern world? Why are the family members Alison loves most absent from the novel?

4. As a work of literary realism, Story of My Life may be read as a cultural document as well as a literary work.

What significant details do we learn about the world McInerney writes about?

5. In what ways does acting serve as a thematic device in Story of My Life?

6. What minor characters seem to be important in the novel? Why?

7. Many of the characters in the novel seem to be dysfunctional in some way or another. Does McInerney suggest that all people are scarred psychologically, or does he present some models of...