Britt-Marie Was Here

Many people want to claim Britt-Marie, including Kent, Sven, and Vega and Omar. In the end, she receives enough fuel for a round trip to Paris. What do you think she chooses to do? Support your answer with evidence about her character from the text.

Consider Britt-Marie Was Here as a bildungsroman. What does Britt-Marie have in common with protagonists of other coming-of-age novels? How does she differ from them?

Given Kent's portrayal in the novel, which—if any—of his actions are genuine? Does he redeem himself? Why or why not?

How are community and/or family depicted in this novel? What lessons does the text convey about these relationships? What factors (e.g., wealth and social status) affect them, and how?

Several characters—including Britt-Marie, Somebody, Bank, Vega, and Max— experience injuries, either in the past or the present. What role(s) do physical injuries play in the text? What messages does the novel convey about physical trauma?

The rat in the recreation center is a recurring motif. What does the rat represent? What does it teach Britt-Marie?

Britt-Marie is a stickler for rules, while Sven became a police officer for justice rather than upholding the law. What message(s) does the novel convey about rules and law? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

“Appearances can be deceiving.” How is this idiom reflected in the novel?