A Town Called Solace: Summary

A Town Called Solace is a children's novel written by Mary Downing Hahn. The main theme of the book is finding hope and strength in difficult times, while also exploring themes of family, friendship, and community. The story follows the life of twelve-year-old Liza, who has just moved to a small town called Solace with her family. In this new place, she must cope with the loss of her father and deal with the struggles of making friends and fitting in within a new community. Along the way, she discovers there are many people in Solace who are willing to help her, including a kind woman named Mrs. O'Neill. Through her journey of self-discovery, Liza learns to rely on herself and find comfort in the strength of her own resilience.

1. What did you think of the protagonist, Jack?
2. How does the theme of family play out in the novel?
3. What is the significance of the town’s name, Solace?
4. How has the author used symbolism to portray the characters and their struggles?
5. How do Jack’s experiences in Solace affect his identity and transformation?
6. What themes are explored throughout the novel?
7. How has the past shaped the present in A Town Called Solace?
8. How does Jack's relationship with his father shift throughout the novel?
9. What is your opinion of the ending?
10. What would you change about A Town Called Solace if you could?

• A Town Called Solace is an intriguing and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of life and mortality.
• The author's writing style is exquisitely crafted and will draw readers in with its vivid descriptions and subtle nuances.
• This book has an interesting cast of characters that are both flawed and relatable, making them easy to empathize with.
• The plotline is complex but very well-paced, keeping readers engaged throughout.
• The themes of grief and loss explored in the novel are handled with sensitivity and poignancy.
• A Town Called Solace offers an insightful look into the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
• I found the ending to be unexpected yet satisfying, tying up all the loose threads in a meaningful way.
• This book provides a unique perspective on small town life, showing how much can be hidden beneath the surface of a seemingly peaceful place.
• Each chapter builds on the last, leaving readers eager to find out what will happen next in this captivating story.
• Overall, A Town Called Solace is a powerful and moving work that will leave readers with plenty to ponder long after they finish reading it.

1. "The only way to find peace is to stop looking for it."
2. "Take the pain, and use it as fuel to keep going."
3. "If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done."
4. "No matter how much pain you are in, if you look hard enough, there is always a reason to smile."
5. "Sometimes we have to take risks in life. Otherwise, we'll never know what could have been."

There have been no TV, film, radio, podcast or theatrical adaptations of A Town Called Solace.

• Crow Lake
• The Other Side of the Bridge
• The Road to Bishop's Hill
• A Good House