Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for The River Knows Your Name by Kelly Mustian

1. What kind of influence do you think Lottie has on Becca's life even after Lottie's death? Is there someone who has continued to influence you, even after they're gone?
2. Lottie does not reveal her illness to Becca, as she wants Becca to be free to establish a new life with Ben. Do you think that was a good decision? What would you have done in her position?
3. Throughout their lives, Lottie and Becca find strength and comfort at the river. Why do you suppose this is? Is there a place that offers you something similarly meaningful?
4. When Mildred first reaches out, her intentions are unclear. In Becca's circumstances, would you have made a decision to seek help from her?
5. Many characters in the novel develop familial relationships that are made rather than born into: Lottie and Becca, Hazel and Evie, Becca and Drew. Can you think of others? Have you created this type of bond in your own life?
6. Do you think Lucy redeemed herself, despite the things she did? Did you sympathize with her?
7. Of the many settings in the story—Rodney, Natchez Under-the-Hill, Estelle's house, the Lighthouse Motor Hotel—which did you find most evocative and why? What role do you think landscape plays in the novel?
8. The story unfolds from three perspectives: Becca's and Hazel's in the 1930s and Nell's in the 1970s. As you read, how did this structure change your understanding of the characters and their motivations?
9. Nell and Evie are reluctant to ask Hazel any questions about their past. Why do you suppose this is? In their place, would you have pushed Hazel for answers or avoided the subject?
10. Nell watches Evie interact with Hazel and thinks, "One never outgrows the need for a mother…or at least the desire to be mothered." What do you think of this statement? Do you agree with it?
11. Nell spends a lot of time researching her past in an attempt to understand her mother. What did you think of her endeavors? What information would have been easier to obtain now, and what would be more difficult? Have you ever researched your heritage?
12. Dory tells Becca that "time don't heal old wounds." Do you believe this is true?
13. What was your reaction to Dory's story and how Lottie reacted to Dory's actions? What would you have done if you'd been in Lottie's shoes?
14. What's your opinion of Becca's living arrangements in Nachez? Would you have stayed once you knew more about the residence?
15. Becca places Evie in a children's home so she can get a nursing degree. Did you know this type of home existed in the 1930s? What did you think of her decision? Under what circumstances might you make a similar choice?
16. When Evie disappears, Becca does all she can to find her child. What did you think about the ensuing circumstances? Is there anything different you feel Becca could have done to retrieve Evie?
17. What did you think of Hazel and the actions she took regarding two-year-old Evie? Do you feel she followed the correct course of action? What would you have done in her place?
18. Which character, major or minor, did you like the most, which did you like the least, and why?
19. To what audience would you recommend The River Knows Your Name? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
20. Overall, what did you think of The River Knows Your Name? (no spoilers, please!)

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Sourcebooks Landmark. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.