"The Boston Girl" by Anita Diamant - Islington Branch Book Club - Past Titles

About the Author: Anita Diamant

Anita Diamant was born on June 27, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in Newark, New Jersey. She attended Washington University in St. Louis, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Comparative Literature.

Diamant initially worked as a freelance journalist and contributing writer for various publications before becoming an author. She gained widespread recognition with the publication of her first novel, "The Red Tent," in 1997. "The Red Tent" is a historical novel that reimagines the story of Dinah, a character from the Bible.

Following the success of "The Red Tent," Diamant continued to write both fiction and non-fiction. Some of her other novels include "Good Harbor," "The Last Days of Dogtown," and "Day After Night." Her works often explore themes of women's lives, relationships, and historical settings.

In addition to her novels, Anita Diamant has written several non-fiction books, including "The New Jewish Wedding," a guide to Jewish wedding traditions. She is known for her ability to blend historical research with compelling storytelling.

Anita Diamant's works have been well-received for their exploration of women's experiences, historical richness, and cultural insights. She has also been involved in Jewish education and served as a columnist for The Boston Globe Magazine.

Synopsis

Addie Baum is The Boston Girl, born in 1900 to immigrant parents who were unprepared for and suspicious of America and its effect on their three daughters. Growing up in the North End, then a teeming multicultural neighborhood, Addie's intelligence and curiosity take her to a world her parents can't imagine--a world of short skirts, movies, celebrity culture, and new opportunities for women. Addie wants to finish high school and dreams of going to college. She wants a career and to find true love. Eighty-five-year-old Addie tells the story of her life to her twenty-two-year-old granddaughter, who has asked her "How did you get to be the woman you are today." She begins in 1915, the year she found her voice and made friends who would help shape the course of her life. From the one-room tenement apartment she shared with her parents and two sisters, to the library group for girls she joins at a neighborhood settlement house, to her first, disastrous love affair, Addie recalls her adventures with compassion for the naive girl she was and a wicked sense of humor. Written with the same attention to historical detail and emotional resonance that made Anita Diamant's previous novels bestsellers, The Boston Girl is a moving portrait of one woman's complicated life in twentieth century America, and a fascinating look at a generation of women finding their places in a changing world.

Discussion Questions

Addie narrates her life story to her granddaughter. How does the choice of narrative style impact your connection to Addie's character and her experiences?
The novel covers a significant period of history, including World War I, the Great Depression, and the women's liberation movement. How does Addie navigate and respond to the societal changes of her time?
Family plays a central role in Addie's life. Discuss the dynamics and relationships within Addie's family. How do these relationships shape her character?
Addie faces challenges and prejudice as a Jewish woman in early 20th-century America. How does the novel address issues of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage?
Addie is portrayed as a strong and independent woman. What are some key moments in the novel that highlight her resilience and determination?
Friendship is a recurring theme in the story. How do Addie's friendships evolve over time, and what role do they play in shaping her character?
The novel explores the changing roles and expectations for women during the early 20th century. How does Addie challenge or conform to societal norms regarding women's roles?
Addie pursues education and a career, breaking away from traditional gender roles. How does her pursuit of knowledge and independence impact her relationships and choices?
The story is framed as a conversation between Addie and her granddaughter. How does the intergenerational aspect of the narrative contribute to the overall themes of the novel?
Addie reflects on her life with a mix of nostalgia and wisdom. Discuss some of the key life lessons or insights that Addie shares with her granddaughter.
How does the novel depict the immigrant experience in America during the early 20th century, and what aspects of Addie's story resonate with broader immigrant narratives?

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