Discussion Guide for the book: "This Other Eden" by Paul Harding

Discussion Guide for:

Novel, “This Other Eden” by Paul Harding

Guide copyright 2024, Betty J. White, aka Compass Rose

Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company, January 24, 2023. 224 pages.

ISBN-10 132403629X ISBN-13 978-1324036296 Available as an e-book

A fictional story inspired by true events, about the (true) forcible eviction in the early 1900’s of the residents of Malaga Island (the story in the book called this “Apple Island”) by the state of Maine. Most of the residents in the story are of mixed ethnicities.

Learn about:

· Maine and United States history and geography. Includes a map.

· Discussion

Part 1: Questions to use during the discussion, or complete them as

you read.

Part 2: Questions with some possible answers to assist the discussion leader,

or as review of the book.

· Fact: Magala Island lies off Phippsburg in eastern Casco Bay, about 20 miles northeast of Portland, Maine, U.S.A.

Includes an Easel Assessment.

Note from Compass Rose: I lived on Nantucket Island and can relate to the “island-concept”, so for that reason, I found the setting of this story especially thought-provoking. Perhaps you will as well.

Suggested for U.S. History, Geography, Grades 11 on up. Librarians and Book Discussion Leaders and High School English reading (novel/period piece genre).