READERS GUIDE

Susan Lewis’s Recommended Reading List

I’m not sure which I love more, the story behind Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky or the book itself. It was intended to be a “symphony” of four or five novels, set in France during the Second World War, but was tragically cut short at two after the author was arrested, taken to Auschwitz, and never returned. The love story in the second part of Suite Francaise is so beautifully subtle and heart wrenching that as soon as I’d finished it, I simply had to read it again. The only time I’ve ever done that.  It later became the inspiration behind the love story in my own book A French Affair. 

I simply can’t have a list that doesn’t feature Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. My father used to read this book to me when I was young; at one time I could even recite the first chapter by heart. In spite of learning in later life what lay behind all the fantasies, I can’t think of a better book to stimulate a child’s imagination. 

When choosing what to read I always try to select something that will challenge and inspire me as a writer. Many books have done this, but one that will stay with me forever is The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak. Though it is set in Nazi Germany its relevance resonates loudly around the world today, speaking against suppression of all kinds, and illustrating the very real power of words. An absolute masterpiece of a novel. 
Almost anything by Daphne du Maurier is a winner for me, but my favorite is probably Frenchman’s Creek. This isn’t only because of how exquisitely and cunningly the story is told, but because I love the movie adaptation starring Joan Fontaine as Dona St. Columb and Arturo de Cordova as Jean Benoit Aubrey. A beautiful escape into heady romance. 

Dorothy Dunnett’s Lymond series (all six of them) is almost impossible to do justice to in a few short sentences. Though the author’s style isn’t easy at first, I would strongly recommend perseverance, because the adventures, the danger, the stunningly vivid look at fifteenth-century Europe, and the incredible journey through the most powerful romance I’ve ever read will certainly make the effort worthwhile. 

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver surely has to be on everyone’s list of most influential novels. Set in the Congo during the late ’50s/early ’60s, the exploits of this family are at once fascinating, appalling, hilarious, and superbly enlightening. I am in total awe of someone who can conjure a world that is so alien to most of us and make it feel as vivid as if it’s just around the corner.

Questions and Topics for Discussion

1. Even if no one had ever found out the secrets of Charlotte’s past, would she have been able to enjoy her new life with Chloe?  Or would she always worry whether she got away with it?

2. Do you think Katie was right in turning Charlotte in?

3. Charlotte and Chloe have an intense and loving bond, 
despite not being related by blood. What makes someone family?

4. What problems did you see in the foster-care system that Chloe faced upon her return to England? Could Chloe’s time back in the system have been avoided?

5. What will be the lasting effects of everything that Chloe’s gone through? Will Charlotte’s love allow Chloe to live a normal life in the future? Or will she always carry the scars of her early abuse and her traumatic time in the foster-care system?

6. Rick and Charlotte both led double lives, of a very different sort. Rick’s was ostensibly because he was worried about coming out to his father. Were his reluctance and lies justified?

7. Charlotte and her mother had a very loving yet also very difficult relationship from the moment they reunited, but Anna proved herself over Charlotte’s trial. What do you think their relationship will be like going forward? 

8. What did you make of the “not guilty” verdict? What, to you, is the true definition of justice?

9. Anthony came to Charlotte’s rescue like a knight in shining armor. What did you make of his defense of Charlotte and her actions?

10. Were you surprised by the ending? 

11. What changes do you think the additions of Anthony and the new baby will make in Charlotte’s family? 

12. The novel has many themes, including love, home, and the true meanings of justice and family. Which was the most meaningful for you?