Pool House: The Absent Fathers

There are several absent fathers in this novel, with Mac’s death looming largest of all. In what ways does the absence of good dads affect Moon, Stevie, Adam, and their relationships to each other? Conversely, the mothers they’re all left with aren’t very nurturing and make extremely disappointing decisions. Then again, mothers are often put on a pedestal, even though they make mistakes and have their own trauma they’re dealing with. I was particularly impressed by the exacting way Choi captures the disappointments children carry. What do you think about the way the family dynamics in this novel continue to unravel? In what ways can we be more empathetic to each other’s experiences with repeating bad behaviors? In a world where women are expected to sacrifice themselves, is it radical to be self-centered and a little indulgent? Have we made space for women/mothers/sisters/friends to be disappointing? How do you balance your own wants and desires while also caring and being there for…