Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams

1. Mallory and Hannah both face dire circumstances and hard choices that require them to decide whether to follow their heart. What do you think Beatriz Williams is saying about the female experience with these two characters?
2. Husbands & Lovers is written from two points of view in different times and settings. Which POV resonated the most with you? How did the structure of the novel open up your understanding of the larger story?
3. In chapter six Monk says, "You realize that once you choose one path, you can't go back. You think about all the paths you could have taken and didn't." Do you agree with his statement? Are there paths that you wish you'd taken in your life?
4. Motherhood is a central theme in each storyline. Discuss how both Mallory and Hannah shape their lives and their decisions based on their children. What other themes did you like in the book?
5. Were you aware of the revolutionary fires in Cairo in 1952 before reading this novel? Did you learn anything new?
6. Class and privilege play pivotal roles in the narrative. Discuss how the characters in both storylines are impacted by their place in society.
7. Mallory gets a second chance with her first love. Do you think love can be rekindled? Are some things fated to be?
8. What did you make of the ending? Did you guess how the storylines would intersect before you finished the novel?
9. Winthrop Island is featured in several of Beatriz Williams other novels. Did you notice any character cameos from her previous books?
10. Do you have any family heirlooms? Why do you think we often ascribe so much emotional value to objects?
11. Who would you cast in the film adaptation of Husbands & Lovers?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Ballantine Books. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.