All the Other Mothers Hate Me

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What were your favorite scenes in the book? Your least favorite moments?

2. Florence is a polarizing protagonist. Did you ultimately find her likable? Why or why not?

3. How does this book compare to other novels that center a female protagonist grappling with class dynamics in London, such as Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary (1996) or Candace Carty-Williams’s Queenie (2019)?

4. Were you shocked by the ending of the story?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Could you relate to Florence’s feelings of betrayal when she learned about Will and Rose or Adam and Jenny? How did those scenes make you feel?

2. Have you ever felt like an outsider among other school parents, like Florence? Did you find the gossipy, status-obsessed dynamics of the St. Angeles parents relatable?

3. Have you ever experienced the kinds of misogyny and sexism experienced by Florence and the other female characters in the book?

4. Would you have responded like Florence and/or Jenny in a similar situation? Do you think their actions were relatable or understandable?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. To what extent does the depiction of police in All the Other Mothers Hate Me relate to real-world dynamics around policing in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the English-speaking world?

2. Harman uses London's geography throughout the book to explore class divisions and socioeconomic tensions. How does Florence’s perspective on her environment reflect real-world discourse around privilege and access?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Discuss Harman’s use of voice to create a distinct tone in the novel.  How does voice shape the narrative as a whole?

2. Consider the male characters in All the Other Mothers Hate Me, particularly Rollo Risby, Adam, and Will. How do they embody different aspects of “toxic masculinity”?

3. Does Harman portray Florence as a good mother? How does her portrayal of Florence interrogate the motherhood ideal?

4. What is the symbolism of Mariah Carey (specifically her 2005 album The Emancipation of Mimi) in Harman’s narrative? How does it contribute to the novel’s themes?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Florence joins a cover band to restart her career. Write a list of songs she will put on their set list. What does the list convey about her journey?

2. If this book were adapted into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?

3. You and your best friend have decided to become private investigators. Create a cover story that will get you into a local apartment complex or gated community.