Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for The Lamplighter's Bookshop by Sophie Austin

1. Does the location have a strong sense of atmosphere? Do you think it feels like Victorian England?
2. What are your first impressions of Evelyn? Does she feel relatable to a modern reader?
3. How does Evelyn's' relationship with her mother develop over the book, and what are the strongest factors that influence it?
4. What dynamic does Aunt Clara add to the story?
5. Do you think that Evelyn could have handled Lady Violet differently?
6. What did you think about Evelyn's and Williams first meeting? Did you sense an attraction between them?
7. What did you think about William's personality and the way he interacts with Evelyn in the first part of the book? Are his actions and manner justified by his circumstances?
8. What influence does Mr. Morton have on their situation? Do you think his actions are designed to bring them together, or is he acting completely without motive?
9. Is Nathaniel truly drawn to Evelyn, or do you think he is just trying to get Lady Violet's attention and playing her at her own game?
10. Did you find Evelyn's mother, Cecelia, a frustrating character, or were her actions in keeping with the period and her situation?
11. What do you think about Evelyn's relationship with her father? Do you think she will see him again in the future? Do you think she should?
12. What did you enjoy most about the romance between Evelyn and William? How does it compare to other star-crossed lovers in literature?

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