What attracted Paula to Charlo in the first place? Why was she willing to stay with him for so long?

What are some examples in the story of a continuing cycle of abuse? What are some examples of people breaking that cycle?

How did Paula's Catholic upbringing affect her life choices? How might they have been different if she had not been Catholic, or if she had not been Irish?

Paula briefly mentions her dead sister Wendy several times, as well as the baby that Paula lost, Sally. What do these lost girls represent? Who are some other lost girls in the book?

Why did John Paul not sympathize with Paula? In what ways is he like his father? Do you think Paula and John Paul will ever be reconciled?

Paula deals each day with poverty, abuse, and alcoholism. Which of these forces is...