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What did you think of the way Mary Quant's character and personality were portrayed?
|
|
8
|
50
|
July 3, 2026
|
|
How do you think the rising tensions about slavery impact the relationship between the McCains and Cathcarts?
|
|
5
|
25
|
July 3, 2026
|
|
What do you think Owl represents in the book?
|
|
12
|
66
|
July 3, 2026
|
|
Why, in your opinion, did Delpha reject Emilie instead of cherishing her as the only surviving child of the family?
|
|
15
|
66
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
Consider the relationship between Emilie and Caleb. Did his revelation startle you? Why or why not?
|
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5
|
36
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
Did you blame Aphrodite for cheating on her husband, Hephaestus, or do you think her actions were justified? He later traps her in bed with Ares and exposes the couple’s affair (pp 142-148). Do you think their punishment was fitting?
|
|
26
|
90
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
Aglaia, one of the Graces, tells Aphrodite that “War is desire made bloody.” (p. 20) What do you feel she means? Do you believe she’s correct?
|
|
15
|
85
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
As he’s designing his statue of Aphrodite, Alexandros struggles with what to put in her hands. Did you have any thoughts as you were reading as to what would be appropriate? What do you feel about his final choice?
|
|
7
|
31
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
Why Do Men Go to War?
|
|
8
|
53
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
Were you familiar with any of the myths the author includes in the narrative? Which ones? How did the author’s versions compare to those you recall?
|
|
10
|
58
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
When Aphrodite complains about Alexandros’s housekeeping, he responds, “I haven’t the time to maintain it.” She replies, “We make time for the things we truly want, don’t we?” (p. 65) Do you agree with her?
|
|
12
|
60
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
The only god that truly befriends Aphrodite is Apollo. Why do you believe so few of the gods show sympathy for her?
|
|
22
|
137
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
Hera betrays Aphrodite several times throughout the novel, even after Aphrodite helps her seduce Zeus. Why do you suppose this is?
|
|
13
|
62
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
To what audience would you recommend Aphrodite in Pieces? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
|
|
21
|
120
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
Aphrodite accuses the Graces of trying to “force happiness,” but Aglaia responds, “We don’t force happiness…we find it.” (p.100). What do you think she means?
|
|
17
|
85
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
Other than the main characters Aphrodite and Ares, which emerged as your favorites? Were there any that you despised?
|
|
16
|
87
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
Ares leaves Aphrodite after the couple is discovered. Do you think he should have stood by her, defying Zeus, or did he do the right thing by ending the relationship?
|
|
15
|
77
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
Overall, what did you think of Aphrodite in Pieces? (No spoilers in this topic, please.)
|
|
28
|
179
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
What was your opinion of the relationship between Ares and Aphrodite? Why were they so attracted to each other, and what kept drawing them back together even after each had caused the other so much pain?
|
|
15
|
100
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
What did you think of the novel’s post-Troy ending? Did you enjoy the way the various threads wrapped up? Would you have liked to have seen a different ending for any of the characters?
|
|
16
|
94
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
What did you know about Aphrodite and what was your opinion of her before reading Aphrodite in Pieces? Did your feelings about her change over the course of the novel?
|
|
12
|
67
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
Have you read either of Lauren J.A. Bear’s previous novels, Medusa’s Sisters or Mother of Rome? If so, how do they compare to Aphrodite in Pieces?
|
|
12
|
75
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
As the story unfolds, Thirza uncovers more about her family's past. How do the revelations about her family's history impact her relationships with other characters in the novel?
|
|
5
|
35
|
July 2, 2026
|
|
What do you think of the author’s choice to use first-person narration, setting the plot entirely from Olivia’s perspective? What might have been different if it had included other perspectives, or if the novel had been written in the third person?
|
|
13
|
60
|
June 30, 2026
|
|
How do you feel the aftermath of WWII shaped the lives of the characters and their parents?
|
|
2
|
23
|
June 30, 2026
|
|
What do you believe drove Emilie to work in the stables as a child despite social disapproval and her mother’s insistence that she give up horses for embroidery?
|
|
6
|
31
|
June 29, 2026
|
|
How did you view Eunice’s relationship with her husband? Why do you think there was so much tension in their marriage?
|
|
18
|
99
|
June 29, 2026
|
|
Both Eunice and Polly had to sacrifice a lot to achieve their positions. What trade-offs did they have to make? Do you think it was worth it? What would you have done in each of their positions?
|
|
6
|
31
|
June 29, 2026
|
|
How did you feel about Eunice’s working relationship with Thomas Dewey? What did you think of his decisions throughout the book? Do you think his view of Eunice changed by the end? Do you think Eunice would face the same sorts of issues today?
|
|
13
|
51
|
June 29, 2026
|
|
How did you feel about Eunice’s relationship with her mother? In what way did her mother’s accomplishments influence Eunice’s life choices? Did she inspire her? Or did Eunice feel more pressure to succeed because of her mother’s achievements?
|
|
8
|
37
|
June 29, 2026
|