Little Hours Discussion Guide

The Sisters of Saint Hildegard of Bingen invite you to write us at Saint Hildegard Monastery, Plover Point, Weymouth, MA.

We gladly respond to questions about the life of birds and/or the life of faith.

1. Were there passages that you underlined or that you found particularly meaningful?

2. Were you surprised to only find letters from Sister Athanasius? What did you think of the author’s choice to only give us one side of the conversation?

3. On page 16, Miriam asks what might be one of the most important questions of this novel: “I wonder how the soul goes on a deep journey, when it feels like we are just in a regular tiring

day.” After reading, what is your response to that question?

4. Much of the wisdom in this book is offered through Sister Anne. Why do you think her character acts as the spiritual hub of the book?

5. What do the greetings and salutations in Sister A's letters show us about her relationship with Miriam as it develops?

6. Sister Athanasius writes, "No matter how many years I've lived the vowed life, I often feel like I am losing my footing. But maybe lost footing is a way to find the truth of our place in the

world?" Have you experienced losing your footing in life? What--if anything--did you find as a result?

7. The novel expresses paradox, differing forms of truth, and opposites--like the seemingly opposite callings of Sister Farm and Sister Patrick Gertrude. What lessons are there in learning

to coexist in these ways?

8. Sister Athanasius struggles to make sense of her place and her gifts. What role do you think she fills at the monastery?

9. Did you have a favorite character? Who was it and why do you think you connected with them?

10. This story is built upon a series of rhythms and seasons--bird migrations, baseball season, rhythms of prayer and liturgy, and the cycles of nature. Did these patterns reveal anything to

you about one another? Did you see them as connected?

11. Do you have any Loose Rules of your own?

12. Which of Sister Athanasius' Loose Rules would you want to embrace or implement?

13. This novel is one that pays attention to the little things of everyday life. Name some little things that are significant to you.

14. This story contains a big win and a big loss--but as its title proclaims--the emphasis is on the "little hours." Which moments in the story did you find the most compelling? Were they big or small?

15. Where do you see devotion in the story? What are some things characters devote themselves to? How does devotion overcome the traditional divisions between secular and sacred?