Some books really bring the romance, but Marked by Fire focuses on different kinds of love. Instead of sparks flying or young love, in this book love comes back to family, time and again. Sometimes it's good, like with Patience and Strong or Mother Barker and the foreman; sometimes it's downright terrible, like with Lily Norene and Willie Johnson. And sometimes it transcends bloodlines, as we see with Mother Barker and Abyssinia. Because of this, love can be a source of incredible strength or devastating weakness in this book. Love, you might say, isn't for the faint of heart.
Questions About Love
- What's up with Lily Norene and Willie's relationship? Is there any love in the mix at all? Why or why not?
- If you had to pick one, which would you say is the most loving act in this book? Why?
- Why doesn't Abyssinia ever show any romantic interest in anybody else? What role do you think her love for herself plays in this?
Chew on This
A key source of Abby's strength is the love she receives from both Patience and Mother Barker. In having two mother figures, Abby gets a double dose of love when she needs it most.
Abby loves herself too much to get caught up in romance just for the thrill of it. Instead of following her hormones, Abby sticks her nose in books.