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Polly Adler became the most infamous madam of her time. What circumstances led her to that position? What qualities led her to thrive in that role? How does her profession reflect the limits imposed on immigrant women in the early twentieth century?
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3
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17
|
June 29, 2026
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Merritt and Olivia have a disagreement about sexism in the workplace. (pp 162-163). Merritt feels the problem with Olivia’s generation is that they “expect things to be easy.” Olivia replies, “No, not easy. Fair.” What did you think of this debate?
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12
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60
|
June 28, 2026
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What role did traumatic loss play in Emilie’s relationships with Keller and Walker? Do you think she’d have taken up with either man without that catalyst?
|
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2
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17
|
June 28, 2026
|
|
Do you think Eunice and Polly influenced each other’s lives? Do you think they learned anything from one another? How did their relationship change over the course of the book? What factors led to this transformation?
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5
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29
|
June 28, 2026
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One of the “Purple Hat Ladies” believes that Vicki would hide the fact that she was depressed because she’d be ashamed.(p. 141) Do you feel that she’s correct, that there’s a stigma associated with depression? Do you think this has changed over time?
|
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18
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101
|
June 28, 2026
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|
This story is based on a real abortion clinic in downtown Chicago in the 1930s & early 1940s. Does this surprise you? How did the story align with your understanding of abortion and abortion access in this era? How have attitudes to abortion changed?
|
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15
|
122
|
June 27, 2026
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Emily, Dr. Millstone, and Ada's daughter Jennie all died on account of the trial. Do you view their deaths as unnecessary tragedies of an unjust system or the unfortunate consequences of criminal activity?
|
|
17
|
95
|
June 27, 2026
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|
Regret is a recurring theme in the novel. Do you think it's possible to live a life without regret? How does regret or fear of regret drive people's choices?
|
|
18
|
122
|
June 27, 2026
|
|
How does Mimi change and grow over the course of the novel? What lessons does she learn?
|
|
11
|
76
|
June 27, 2026
|
|
After his accident, Stan struggles to move on. What did you think of his predicament? Have you ever experienced a life-changing setback? How did you move past it?
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|
17
|
112
|
June 27, 2026
|
|
Mimi refuses Papanek's deal (Chapter 48). Do you think she made the right choice? What choice would you have made?
|
|
14
|
92
|
June 27, 2026
|
|
Overall, what did you think of When No One Else Will? To what audience would you recommend the novel? (No spoilers, please!)
|
|
32
|
230
|
June 27, 2026
|
|
Did you have a favorite scene or quote you’d like to share? Why did you choose that section?
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|
1
|
22
|
June 25, 2026
|
|
Merritt tells Olivia that “Truly good people…tend to assume other people are just like them…It’s a dangerous state of affairs for them.” (p.22). Olivia replies that that’s a dark way of looking at things. Which of these characters do you agree with?
|
|
18
|
72
|
June 25, 2026
|
|
What was your first impression of the two main characters, Aubrey Merritt and Olivia Blunt?
|
|
16
|
86
|
June 24, 2026
|
|
To what audience would you recommend The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
|
|
13
|
92
|
June 23, 2026
|
|
What did you think of the research Olivia did on Merritt before interviewing for the position of assistant?
|
|
15
|
88
|
June 22, 2026
|
|
Liza Tully is the pseudonym for Elisabeth Brink, who also writes dark thrillers under the name Elisabeth Elo, as well as literary fiction under Elisabeth Panttaja Brink. Have you read any of her other novels?
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|
11
|
56
|
June 22, 2026
|
|
Overall, what did you think of The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant? (No spoilers, please!)
|
|
30
|
195
|
June 22, 2026
|
|
Mimi has a difficult relationship with her mother-in-law, Halina. Why do you suppose Halina was so hostile? Do you think there was anything Mimi could have done to improve the situation?
|
|
16
|
99
|
June 15, 2026
|
|
What role does gender inequality play in the story? How much has changed since the time period portrayed in the book?
|
|
9
|
72
|
June 11, 2026
|
|
One of the clinic’s patients, Miss Simms, tells Mimi that “Only a fool tells her lover everything.” (p. 77). What do you feel she meant? Do you agree with her?
|
|
10
|
67
|
June 9, 2026
|
|
Amanda Skenandore has written a number of books, mostly in the historical fiction genre. Have you read any of her other novels? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
|
|
19
|
97
|
June 9, 2026
|
|
What place do you think controversial topics like abortion have in literature?
|
|
26
|
254
|
June 9, 2026
|
|
After Pia’s visit in Chapter 35, Olivia decides to take action on her own. What did you think of her decision here? What might you have done in her place?
|
|
12
|
66
|
June 9, 2026
|
|
The book’s Epilogue speaks about Mimi, Ada, and Jo being incarcerated, while in real life, Ada and Jo escaped serious prison time. Why do you suppose the author chose to depart from history? What did you think of her decision?
|
|
14
|
64
|
June 7, 2026
|
|
Mimi lies to her husband about her job until she’s in serious trouble. What did you think of her decision here? Do you believe she made the right decision under the circumstances? When would you have told Stan, if you’d been in Mimi’s shoes?
|
|
19
|
98
|
June 6, 2026
|
|
What lessons can we derive from Eunice and Polly’s relationship, and how can we apply them today? Have you ever formed this type of strategic partnership in your life? Can you envision a reason or issue that might inspire you to do so?
|
|
0
|
10
|
June 3, 2026
|
|
What information in the book was new to you? Did you learn anything about the time period from it? Did anything surprise you?
|
|
14
|
101
|
June 2, 2026
|
|
Many of the characters' actions are motivated by the desire to protect or support their families. Mimi, Daniel, and many of the women who seek abortions at the clinic are driven by this desire. Does this change how you view their actions?
|
|
12
|
45
|
June 1, 2026
|