The Unfinished Gift Discussion Questions: Dan Walsh

1. Christmas is traditionally a holiday where families celebrate and create fond memories. But for many people like Patrick, it merely highlights the emptiness and brokenness that’s existed for years. What has your experience been like? If you can’t personally relate to Patrick’s story, what do you believe has made a positive difference in your family life?

2. Patrick’s father and grandfather haven’t spoken to each other since before he was born. Do you have any relatives who haven’t spoken to each other for years? What consequences has this rift caused for them or your family? What are the main issues? Do you think they justify the separation? If yes, why; if not, why not?

3. With the introduction of Father O’Malley and Ian Collins’ recollection of his last conversation with his son, we become aware that Collins is Catholic and the rift has something to do with his son “pulling away from the faith.” Does this seem as serious a thing now as it was in the 1940s? Has anyone in your family changed churches? How has this affected relationships in the family? Has it created any conflicts that have proved difficult to forgive?

4. Why do you think Mrs. Fortini was not intimidated by Ian Collins? Do you know anyone like her?

5. After Ian received the MIA telegram about Shawn, he quickly became convinced that Shawn was actually dead. Have you ever jumped to a conclusion about a big event in your life or believed the worst before you had all the facts, and then it was nowhere near as bad as you’d imagined? What lesson can we learn from times like these?

6. At the end of the section where Ian is reading the letters, he reads one he’s never seen from his deceased wife, Ida. She is thanking Patrick’s mom for helping her to understand the gospel more clearly. Has this book helped you to understand the gospel more clearly? If so, how?

7. The social worker, Katherine Townsend, came to love Patrick almost like her own child. She was rebuked for getting too emotionally involved. After getting so close, how do you think she’ll handle letting go? How do you think you would have handled this situation? In the end, do you think she made the right call?

8. How were you affected by the role Ezra Jeffries played toward the end of the story? Have you witnessed anyone treated in a similar way because of their race or ethnic background? Would you have had the courage to step in like Katherine did?
9. What parts of the book impacted you on an emotional level? If there were more than one, which one affected you the most?

10. This book wasn’t a mystery novel, but did anything happen that surprised you?

11. The author has said that he intended the unfinished wooden soldier to be more than just a toy Patrick craved, but to serve as a metaphor that weaves the whole story together from beginning to end. Did you catch this? What do you think he means?

12. Who is your favorite character in The Unfinished Gift and why?