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We Were Not Spoiled / Library Book Club Discussion Questions

  1. What were the circumstances that led to the Verreault family being in the US? Had they immigrated in the way the American narrative understands immigration? How so or not so? Does this change their relationship to the experience of migrating? How so or not? Did your family have an immigrant experience?
  2. Large families are often portrayed as “We were poor but we were happy.” Is this Lucille’s experience? How so or not? Can you nuance your response to her experience? What was your experience of your family?
  3. Describe her parents’ parenting style. How did this affect Lucille? Any differences in her father’s and mother’s styles? Your opinion of their styles?
  4. Morin said Lucille didn’t smile. Was that so and why? How could matters have been different?
  5. How was Lucille’s world different from the world you grew up in and how was it different from the world today—perhaps the world your children and grandchildren grew up in? How did it resemble your parents?
  6. What sorts of leisure activities did Lucille participate in? Music theater, sports? Other? What did Lucille do in her spare time? Did she reflect on this experience as good or not good?
  7. Describe Lucille’s education. How did she appreciate this? Did her parents support her education? Is this similar or different from your parents’ experience? Yours?
  8. What was Lucille’s experience of WW2? How did her romance with Albert progress? Did she regret not having a formal proposal?
  9. Why did the family retain ties to Canada? How did they do so? Were they welcoming of family staying with them?
  10. Why did Lucille live with her in-laws? What was her experience of living with them? Did your parents have a similar experience? You?
  11. What promise did Lucille and Albert make to each other about their children’s futures? Were they able to implement changes to make that happen?
  12. Did the authors succeed in We Were Bot Spoiled in creating a unique sense of time, place, or culture?
  1. Were you satisfied with the book’s ending and the presentation of Lucille’s life? Did her story inspire you or challenge you in any way?
  2. Did you find the joint authorship to be a reliable (trustworthy) narrator of Lucille’s story? Why or why not?
  3. Why do you think Lucille and Denis wanted to tell this story? What was the main message(s) they wanted you to come away from reading We Were Bot Spoiled?

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