Only the Beautiful Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Name: Only the Beautiful
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
Author: Susan Meissner
ISBN: 9780593332832

Only the Beautiful

by Susan Meissner

BookBrowse Review:

Critics' Consensus (5):

Readers' Rating (29):

First Published:
Apr 18, 2023, 400 pages

Paperback:
Mar 2024, 400 pages

Book Reviewed by:
Jordan Lynch
X
- Historical Fiction
- USA
- Europe
- West, USA
- California
- 20th Century (multiple decades)
- Coming of Age
- Female Friendships
- Strong Women
- Physical & Mental Differences
- War Related
- Top 20 Best Books of 2023
Genres & Themes
Publication Information

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Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Sad Music is Blue, Literally and our BookBrowse Review of Only the Beautiful.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

How are Rosie's and Helen's stories linked thematically? How are they separate?
Rosie feels tremendous guilt over how she became pregnant. How much of what happened to her is her fault? Is any of it?
Why do you think people often fear what they can't explain or don't understand?

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How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?

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

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Beyond the Book:
Sad Music is Blue, Literally

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