Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage - Post and Beam

So we meet Lorna, her husband and Polly, the uncomfortable relative. This is something that actually happens a lot, families with time get more distant, life circumstances change, and someone that was a perfect companion at some point, later on when years and lives have gone on, doesn't seem to be that same person anymore... In Post and Beam, do you think Lorna acts right? Does she "dislike" Polly because her husband does? Or is there something else? Is actually Polly the one that is imposing herself and wants to make Lorna feel guilty because she left? And what about the end of the story? Where does the change come from?

Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage - Nettles

It seems the summer is keeping us all too busy! In any case, we know some of you are there and we thank you. We specially thank Arantxa, who keeps sharing her always interesting thoughts with us. Although with some delay, we are here too, enjoying Ms. Munro and her stories.

How did you like "Nettles"?

In this story, the no-named narrator is a recently divorced, middle-aged woman who is confronted with her life and her feelings toward her ex-husband, kids, lover… In that context, she reencounters Mike, a friend of childhood.

How did you feel about the narrator? Do you think Mike has the same feelings that she has about their relationship as kids? What do you think is the meaning of Mike's revelation in the context of the story? What's the point? How does the reencounter affect the protagonist and the way she continues with her life?

Do you remember a similar story as a kid? Do you recall having similar (confusing?) feelings when looking back to old days and friends?

As with all Munro' stories, a lot of interesting things to reflect on.

Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage - Comfort

Death and illness presented again in this story. Now, from the point of view of the partner and exploring tolerance, hopes, commitment, conformism…

What do you think of the title of this story? Why and where comfort?

What do you see in the relationships presented? Love, marriage, courtship...