Midnight Without a Moon

Midnight Without a Moon is the first of two novels narrated by Rose Lee Carter. Beginning where this novel ends, what might you expect of its sequel, A Sky Full of Stars? Which characters do you imagine will figure most prominently in the next chapter of Rose’s story, and why? How might Rose have changed, if at all?

What examples of romantic or marital relationships has Rose been exposed to? What has she deduced from these examples? How can her determination to not allow her future to be dictated by a man be interpreted as a side effect of the dynamics she has observed? Are there any positive examples that encourage Rose that faithful, respectful, loving relationships can be possible? Cite passages from the text to support your answer.

How do Rose’s depictions of Fred Lee contribute to an understanding of who she is and what their life has been like? To what events and elements are Fred Lee’s quiet nature and his lack of social engagement attributed compared to other boys his age? Do you think that Rose feels compelled to protect him? Why or why not?