The Villa Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Female Frenemies in Literature and Reality and our BookBrowse Review of The Villa.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. This novel alternates between time lines and perspectives, and includes articles, podcast transcripts, song lyrics, and book excerpts. How did the structure of the novel affect your reading experience and/or help to build suspense?
2. Discuss the evolution of Mari and Lara's relationship, alongside that of Emily and Chess. What role did men play in their sense of competition with each other? How did their dynamic shift after the men were out of their lives?
3. How did Pierce's death affect each of the characters in the 1970s story line?

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