Suitabook

Where The Heart Should Be

Sarah Crossan

Reading: If the emotional material feels weighty, read in shorter sections and pause to discuss the verse, Nell’s choices and the historical circumstances. Let the reader decide whether to talk before continuing.
Themes: Love across social divisions: Nell, an Irish scullery maid, and Johnny, an English heir, fall in love despite differences in class and national background. The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
Poverty and survival: The spreading potato blight forms the backdrop as Nell’s family faces poverty and the possibility of starvation. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
Women’s restricted choices: The book addresses women’s restricted choices; the detail of how it is developed remains unclear. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
Worth knowing: Suspense arises from the couple’s relationship and the family’s precarious circumstances, so a sensitive reader may appreciate preparation.