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Only the Beautiful

A heartrending story about a young mother’s fight to keep her daughter, and the ...

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Discuss Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner

Rosie feels tremendous guilt over how she became pregnant. How much of what happened to her is her fault? Is any of it?

15

9 hours ago
by ssh

What was the significance of the amaryllis bulb? What did this plant represent to Rosie, and why did she give the name to her daughter?

11

9 hours ago
by ssh

Do you see eugenic ideology as it played out in Only the Beautiful in our world today? In what ways?

11

15 hours ago
by bettyt

Was Rosie's mother asking too much of Rosie when she made her promise not to tell anyone about her ability? How would her ability be viewed today?

10

Apr. 28, 2024
by Jill

Could Johannes have done more to save his daughter? What would you have done?

10

Apr. 27, 2024
by lee

What did you think of Belle's character? Did you find her sympathetic? What do you imagine happened to her after she escaped?

10

Apr. 27, 2024
by lee

Did you feel closer to Rosie or Helen? What did you think about how the book was structured?

13

Apr. 27, 2024
by lee

Why do you think Celine was so controlling? Did she have good qualities, too? Did Truman? What were his flaws?

12

Apr. 27, 2024
by lee

Do you think Helen did enough during the war to protect the innocent? Do you think she could have been more helpful if she had remained in Austria or returned to America?

5

Apr. 27, 2024
by lee

Overall, what do you think of Only the Beautiful? (no spoilers)

24

Apr. 27, 2024
by lee

Why do you think people often fear what they can't explain or don't understand?

6

Apr. 27, 2024
by bettyt

What is the difference between complacency and compliance? If you don't speak and act out against wrong, does that mean you are supporting it?

5

Apr. 26, 2024
by Molly Mae

What were your thoughts about Helen adopting Rosanne's baby? And what did you think about her calling her auntie?

8

Apr. 26, 2024
by janetr

Why do you think Stuart felt guilty that he alerted the institution of Rosie and Belle's escape? Was right to blame himself?

9

Apr. 26, 2024
by janetr

Dr. Townsend feels that Rosie's synesthesia made her life miserable. Did it? Do you know someone with synesthesia?

17

Apr. 26, 2024
by janetr

How are Rosie's and Helen's stories linked thematically? How are they separate?

2

Apr. 25, 2024
by Jill

Helen assures Johannes that they all failed Brigitta. What did she mean?

2

Apr. 25, 2024
by Jill

Why might Helen have stayed away for four decades? Do you think she had a happy life as a nanny?

7

Apr. 25, 2024
by rachelh

Do you believe literature, even fiction, can help shape the world? Did you learn anything new from Only the Beautiful?

15

Apr. 24, 2024
by beckyd

What were your thoughts on how Rosie's life turned out?

7

Apr. 24, 2024
by freyah

Do you think resilience was a theme in this book?

6

Apr. 22, 2024
by melissa c.

Which characters or events is the author referring to with the title Only the Beautiful? What does this title signify to you?

6

Apr. 20, 2024
by deeh

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