Discussion questions for The Duet, by Robert Elmer.
1. Throughout the book we read many passages describing the
town of Van Dalen. How is Joan’s experience of a small town the same as—or
different from—yours? What’s most difficult about living in a small town
setting? The best? Find passages in the book to illustrate your point.
2. Why do you think Gerrit reacted so strongly when he shook
Joan’s hand at the fair? Were his
feelings and reaction justified?
3. “…He couldn’t remember the last time he had cried. Probably not since the days when he
used to…” (Page 42). Who is this quote referring to? What kind of situation was he in? What haven’t you done since a long time
ago because of the way that you think?
4. Warney felt that he was “left behind in the manure.” Why did he feel this way and in what
ways did he contribute to his own situation? In what ways was he trapped by others?
5. What prompted Gerrit to buy a CD player from the
Hollandia Center?
6. On page 105, Warney doesn’t finish his sentence saying
“That’s still way more than…”
Finish his thoughts. Do you
agree with him? Why or why not?
7. Reread the “Ode to Joy” recital scene as if you were
sitting in the audience. Explain
your thoughts.
8. What characteristics of Joan make her someone who “made
sense in a maddening, unorthodox way?” (page 155).
9. Joan and Gerrit visit each other’s churches and
experience many awkward and new emotions. How did they handle the situation?
Now describe a new and awkward church situation you’ve experienced recently.
Did you respond the way they did? What did you do?
10. Towards the end of the book, Joan felt like she didn’t
know where home was anymore. What
factors contributed to her feelings?
Have you have experienced anything like that? Describe your situation.
11. In the hospital with her son, Joan talks about his
attempted suicide with him. What
lines of their conversation stick out to you the most? Why?
12. Explain the significance of Joan’s statement “God is in
control” (page 287) to the rest of the book. How does it explain her growing or
changing relationship to God?
13. How did Joan change from the beginning to the ending of the book? How did Gerrit change?