From the Kitchen of Half Truth (26 page)

1. The original title of this book was “Nutmeg.” Do you think
From the Kitchen of Half Truth
is more appropriate? Why or why not?

2. Do you agree with Meg's following statement to Mark: “I'd rather have fictional memories than no memories at all.”

3. What do you think of Valerie's stories about Meg's childhood?

4. Was there any foreshadowing that the fanciful stories hid a darker reality? If yes, what was it, and when did you see it?

5. Meg mentions that embarrassment, anger, and guilt are emotions all teenagers feel. Even though the stories from her childhood are outrageous, do you think Meg's growing pains are relatable? Why or why not? Do you think that, in some respects, she's still an adolescent?

6. Meg joins the science department at her university and studies to become a geneticist. Do you believe that this choice is significant?

7. Ewan: “There's a very fine line between the truth and a lie, isn't there?” Meg: “No, there isn't. One is real, the other is not. It's extremely simple if you think about it.” What do you think about this exchange between Ewan and Meg?

8. Meg is baffled that Ewan indulges her mother's fantasies at the beginning of the book. What changes her mind?

9. Each time Meg begins to force her mother to tell the truth about her childhood, her mother's condition worsens. Why? And how does this affect Meg's decision to pursue the truth?

10. Meg's nightmare about the White Giant is recurring and seems to intensify as she gets closer to the truth. Did you have any theories about this nightmare? Did they turn out to be true?

11. What do you think of Gwennie?

12. The second time Meg meets Ewan's niece, she plays make-believe with her. What does this say about Meg's personal growth?

13. After discovering the truth about Meg's father, do you think Valerie's decision to make up stories was justified? Or do you think they did more harm than good?

14. Meg and her mother are very different, but they do have several similarities. What are they, and when do they emerge?

15. When Valerie dies, Meg discovers all of the lives she touched through her cooking and baking. How does this change Meg?

 

Maria Goodin graduated from the University of Kent with degrees in French and English. After spending time working in France, she trained as an English teacher and a counselor.
From the Kitchen of Half Truth
is based on the short story “Nutmeg,” which won the 2007 Derby Short Story Competition. Maria lives in Hertfordshire with her husband, son, and cat.