"The World of The Raffle Baby"

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"The Raffle Baby" is set against one of the most turbulent chapters in American history — the Great Depression, when millions took to the rails in search of work, dignity, and a way forward. This companion guide invites readers deeper into that world. Here you'll find the origins of "The Raffle Baby" and the research behind it, alongside a portrait of hobo life in Depression-era America: the unwritten codes that governed the road, the rail police who patrolled it, and the way Sonny Boy, Vic, and Teeny lived within and against those systems. A section on hobos in popular culture traces how the era captured the American imagination, and book club discussion questions offer a starting point for reflection and conversation. The guide closes with an excerpt from the novel and a note about the author, Ruth Talbot. Whether you've just finished the book or are reading it for the first time, "The World of The Raffle Baby" offers context, curiosity, and a richer understanding of the lives at its heart.