|
What did you learn about the era from the novel? Did anything surprise you?
|
|
7
|
18
|
March 4, 2026
|
|
At what point did you read the Author’s Note – before, after, or while you read the novel? Did you do much research/internet searching about people and events as you read?
|
|
15
|
27
|
March 4, 2026
|
|
What do you think of Rita’s deliberate, unspoken message to her enemies: I’m still here?
|
|
5
|
25
|
March 4, 2026
|
|
The author based this novel on the real-life Kingdom of the Happy Land. Prior to reading this novel, what did you know about the Kingdom of the Happy Land? Were you aware that such a kingdom existed?
|
|
12
|
27
|
March 4, 2026
|
|
Have you read any of Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s other novels, and if so, how do they compare to Happy Land?
|
|
5
|
15
|
March 4, 2026
|
|
When Mr. Weaver refuses to honor his promise to sell the land back to the Kingdom at the agreed-upon price, Luella decides to purchase only a portion of the land back. How do you feel about her decision? Do you agree with it?
|
|
5
|
17
|
March 3, 2026
|
|
Do you agree with Rita’s decision to make Lest We Forget? Why do you think Rita agreed to travel around the country to speak about the sinking while selling Liberty Bonds, even though it caused her anguish?
|
|
10
|
30
|
March 3, 2026
|
|
1000 Books February 2026 Read: The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
|
|
13
|
49
|
March 3, 2026
|
|
Rita decided to take the Lusitania despite the warnings. Was she too trusting that the ship was too fast to be torpedoed? Or was she justified in feeling that her need to reach her brother outweighed the risk? Would you have boarded the ship?
|
|
21
|
43
|
March 3, 2026
|
|
Gabrielle thinks, “It was a disconcerting feeling – knowing that your one chance at achieving something great was already over.” How did you react to this statement? Is it possible for one’s career to peak too soon, and if so, how does one move on?
|
|
5
|
18
|
March 3, 2026
|
|
Nikki wonders about the source of the deep rift between her mother and Mother Rita. Why do you suppose they didn’t tell Nikki about the reason for their feud? Do you think they are able to completely heal their relationship by the end of the book?
|
|
3
|
8
|
March 2, 2026
|
|
Nikki wonders if her mother abandoned Mother Rita. She also asks herself if “Southern mothers feel a particular betrayal when their children go north.” What’s your take on children leaving home, particularly those that move far away from their parents?
|
|
5
|
21
|
March 2, 2026
|
|
Even as she began to fall in love with Giuseppe, Rita would tell herself, I want him, but I don’t want to need him. Considering her past divorce and her thriving career, was she wise to guard her heart against the count?
|
|
4
|
22
|
March 2, 2026
|
|
Rita’s first experience acting in live theatre was a disappointment. Even so, she didn’t give up her dream. What kept her going? Would you have given up had you been in a similar situation?
|
|
10
|
22
|
March 2, 2026
|
|
Rita enjoyed a bohemian lifestyle for her time, flouting convention if it didn’t suit her. She had a strong publicity machine at her back to smooth over any transgressions, but should she have been more circumspect regarding her private life?
|
|
3
|
15
|
March 2, 2026
|
|
Inez was clearly devastated to lose George. Did Rita and her family do enough help her in those weeks after the sinking? Or do you think Inez was deliberately as emotionally hidden as she needed to be to conceal her true intentions?
|
|
19
|
38
|
March 2, 2026
|
|
Luella thinks, “Papa had taught me that choosing a husband was as much about survival as it was love.” (p. 60) What did you think of this statement? Do you think it’s equally true today as it was in the 19th century?
|
|
3
|
12
|
March 2, 2026
|
|
Nikki uses a genealogical website to research her family and does, in fact, find information about her ancestors. Have you ever done something similar? If so, how did it feel when you uncovered information about your forebears?
|
|
2
|
8
|
March 1, 2026
|
|
William convinces the Black residents of Cross Anchor to follow him into the mountains to set up a new community. Why do you think they trusted him? Did they have any choice but to leave, in your opinion? What would you have done in their place?
|
|
3
|
12
|
March 1, 2026
|
|
The attorney informs Nikki that the law is not on their side and it is unlikely that Mother Rita will get the land back. However, Mother Rita doesn't believe that. Why do you think she is so certain?
|
|
3
|
7
|
March 1, 2026
|
|
To what audience would you recommend Happy Land? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
|
|
4
|
23
|
March 1, 2026
|
|
Walter, Devlin, and Gabrielle are all isolated at the beginning. How does their unlikely friendship transform each of them?
|
|
12
|
39
|
March 1, 2026
|
|
The administrators at Sheldon Oaks were aware of Carol’s history. Were you surprised they weren’t more cautious about allowing her to move in? Do you think they should have said anything to the current residents?
|
|
18
|
50
|
March 1, 2026
|
|
To what audience would you recommend I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
|
|
16
|
55
|
March 1, 2026
|
|
What's your favorite quote from The Violin Maker's Secret?
|
|
1
|
9
|
March 1, 2026
|
|
Max took advantage of the teenage Gabrielle. When she told others in her life about this, she was ignored and the abuse continued. Why do you suppose that was? What, if anything, would have been different had that part of the plot happened today?
|
|
11
|
32
|
March 1, 2026
|
|
Geoffrey mourns the loss of his identity, feeling “irrelevant.” “Old ladies, at least they were still in charge of the grandchildren’s birthday cards,” he thinks. Is it true that women have more of a place in society as they age than men do?
|
|
16
|
47
|
February 28, 2026
|
|
What surprised you the most about the plot? Did you detect any “red herrings”?
|
|
8
|
35
|
February 28, 2026
|
|
The author, Fergus Craig, has written another series, this one starring Detective Roger LeCarre. Have you read any books in this series, and if so, how do they compare with I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home?
|
|
12
|
38
|
February 28, 2026
|
|
What was your theory about who killed Desmond and why? Did your opinion change over the course of the novel?
|
|
7
|
32
|
February 28, 2026
|