1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How does this novel compare to Susan Meissner’s other works? How does Sophie Whalen compare to the protagonists of Meissner’s other novels?
• Were you surprised by the final revelation that Sophie killed her first husband? What evidence is there elsewhere in the book that Sophie has a dark past?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Meissner’s works often focus on a woman’s experience of a historical event: in this case, the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. If you could travel back in time and safely experience a historical event of this kind, what would you choose?
• In the novel’s final chapters, it is revealed that Sophie (whose real name is Saoirse) left New York City because she feared gossip had followed her from Ireland. Have gossip and rumors ever had a negative effect on your life?
• This novel contains difficult depictions of child loss and sexual trauma. What was your experience reading these passages?
• Which of the novel’s female protagonists (Sophie, Candace, and Belinda) did you find most compelling and relatable? Why?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.