SuitabookThe Rising Star of Rusty Nail
Lesley M. M. Blume
- Reading
- Pause after the woman arrives and ask what each character seems to want. Afterwards, revisit whether the town, music and Franny’s choices are portrayed with affection, criticism or both.
- Themes
- Ambition and the American dream: Franny has outgrown the town's piano teaching and appears limited to church events and school assemblies while seeking a larger future. The story sets personal ambition against the opportunities available in a small town, but the value it finally assigns to escape or staying is unclear.
- Fear of outsiders: In 1953, neighbours interpret the Russian woman's presence as a threat, while Franny is not convinced by their view. The book?s stance on this remains unclear.
- Small-town identity: Rusty Nail has declined from being known as the world's Coot Capitol to an ordinary town with distinctive residents. The setting appears to combine affectionate oddness with limited prospects, though its broader treatment cannot be determined.
- Worth knowing
- The book includes social suspicion directed at a Russian woman labelled a “Commie”, in a 1953 setting. A child may benefit from discussing how political fear can affect judgements about individuals.