Reflection Questions for readers and groups
Reading an autobiography is often a thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening experience. It opens a window to the author’s feelings and experiences that a biographer can only guess at. There is undeniably more humour, more pathos, more humanity expressed.
But thinking critically about an autobiography can become a challenging experience. If we criticise are we then seeking to invalidate the author’s experience? By no means! In literary terms, this is simply the process of ‘digesting’ the work of another scholar. A good story will have internal continuity; it will not contradict itself, its style or expression will not change without explanation, and the author’s description of their experience will flow smoothly from beginning to end. It will ‘sit well’ with you as a piece of writing, even if the story wasn’t your cup of tea. A poorly told story will feel disjointed, truncated, unresolved, ‘undercooked’ or ‘over-done’. It is therefore up to the reader to decide whether the story has been told too soon, or perhaps the writer could do with a better editor!
- Had you heard of the author, Anna McGahan, as an actress before you read this book? How does the context in which we approach any book influence our attitude before we even begin? Consider the expectations you had before you’d started this one.
- What’s your initial response when it comes to this book?
- Were you pleased to have read it?
- Would you read it again?
- Would you recommend it?
- Would you give as a gift?
- Discuss Anna’s childhood; faith, health, ambitions. Were there elements you can relate to? It seems dramatic, tumultuous – even among a stable home and family.
- Consider the section breaks titled “the body…”. In what way do they help frame or tell the story? How do they add to your understanding of her changing physically and spiritually?
- There’s a section on page 193 beginning; ” Honestly, I never wanted to write about sexuality.” Yet, sexual expression on film and in reality feature heavily in the story. Later on, sexual expression in the form of celibacy is experienced. It it excessive, or integral to the story. Could it be compelling without it?
- “I wanted a God I didn’t have to pay for.’ (p.59) Anna’s acknowledgment that she lacks spiritual fulfilment opens the book. Her search is sincere, and wide-reaching. Does it end with her conversion to Christianity? Why or why not?
- In the chapter ‘The Whiteness’ (p.237ff), Anna describes her shame and unconscious racism when filming on land sacred to Indigenous peoples. Do you consider her faith-inspired singing to be appropriate, abusive, or somewhere in between? Does it convict you in any way?
- Marriage and motherhood. The final few chapters see a woman, still uncertain, but less inclined to make decisions without wise advice, and leaning heavily on Jesus. How does her faith help her cope with the continuing joys and griefs of life?
- How do you feel about her opening question of the blurb: “Perhaps we have done to our bodies what we have so long done to God?”
- What do you think of Anna’s experience of Christianity?
- Are there aspects which make you feel uncomfortable? Surprised? Encouraged? Sceptical?
- For people of faith: How is it similar or different to your own experiences?
- What do you think is Anna’s motivation in writing and publishing this book?