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1. "There’s nothing that can’t
be sorted with common sense and a strong will," (page 36) begins the
description of Mrs. Bird’s column, Henrietta Helps. In theory, that’s
not such a bad approach, but how does it fall short of addressing her
readers’ concerns?
2. Why does the memory of her friend Kitty’s experience affect Emmy so
strongly? How does it inform her actions?
3. Author AJ Pearce incorporates charmingly old-fashioned expressions to
help convey a sense of the time period. What were some of your favorite
terms? Did the language help your understanding of the era and the
characters’ personalities?
4. Mr. Collins advises Emmy, "Find out what you’re good at…and then get
even better. That’s the key," (page 54). Is this good advice for Emmy?
Does she follow it?
5. Why does Emmy hesitate to tell Bunty about writing to Mrs. Bird’s
readers? Is she only worried about Bunty’s disapproval, or is it more
than that? How do secrets affect their friendship throughout the novel?
6. Do you think Emmy was right to confront William after he rescued the
two children? Was his reaction warranted? Why do you think they took
such different views of the event?
7. One of the major themes of the novel is friendship. Discuss Emmy and
Bunty’s relationship, and all the ways they support and encourage each
other over the course of the novel.
8. After the bombing at Café de Paris, Bunty is distraught and angry,
but is some of her critique of Emmy fair? Does Emmy interfere too much?
9. Whether it’s readers writing in to Mrs. Bird, Charles writing to
Emmy, or Emmy writing to Bunty, letters are of great importance
throughout Dear Mrs. Bird. How does letter-writing shape the
narrative?
10. The letter from Anxious on page 239 strikes a chord with Emmy. She
thinks, "How often did we say well done to our readers? How often did
anyone ever tell women they were doing a good job? That they didn’t need
to be made of steel all the time? That it was all right to feel a bit
down?" (page 243). How did the book make you think differently about
women’s experiences in wartime?
11. Emmy’s mother says to her, "Once this silly business is all sorted,
you and Bunty and all your friends will be able to get on and achieve
whatever you want" (page 86). How much do you think expectations have
changed for young women since World War II? What careers do you think
Emmy and Bunty would aspire to if they were young now?
12. In the Author’s Note (page 277), AJ Pearce describes how reading
advice columns in vintage magazines inspired her to write Dear Mrs.
Bird. She says, "I found them thought-provoking, moving, and
inspirational, and my admiration for the women of that time never stops
growing.… It is a privilege to look into their world and remember what
incredible women and girls they all were" (page 278). Discuss how
magazines, then and now, provide a unique window into people’s lives.
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