Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What were your overall thoughts on Hot Milk? What do you think Levy was trying to communicate with this novel?

2. Since the novel is written mostly from Sofia’s perspective in the present tense, how did those elements shape your reading experience? Did you find her trustworthy and engaging as a narrator, or would a different narrative style have worked better?

3. How does Hot Milk compare to other works by Deborah Levy, or to other works of contemporary postmodernist works that you have read?

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

1. Sofia feels town between caring for her mother and feeling in control of her own life and desires. Have you ever felt pressured into giving more support to someone else than you could reasonably offer? How did you resolve this conflict?

2. The novel integrates sexual and social identities in Sofia’s awakening and growth. Do you feel that these elements of identity are linked? How does the novel affirm or disaffirm your own perceptions on identity?

3. Have you ever had a significant experience while traveling? How did you relate your own experiences to Sofia’s time in Almeria?

4. Sofia sometimes feels confused about roles within her family. How do her conflicts with familial expectations and structures compare to your own?

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

1. Sofia’s experience is a commentary on the lives of women, the lives of queer people, and the oppression these groups face. How does this analysis resonate with modern life, and what elements of society force Sofia to undergo this journey?

2. Sofia consistently compares modern society with ancient societies, like the ancient Greeks. What do such comparisons reveal or suggest about modern-day life?

3. Does Hot Milk accurately depict the medical and psychological issues Sofia experiences or witnesses? How does it reflect aspects of current-day discourses surrounding medical issues and both physical and mental care?

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

1. The novel is told from Sofia’s point of view, including various hallucinations or imagined scenes. How do such scenes reflect Sofia’s inner states and/or illuminate the novel’s key themes and ideas?

2. Track how Sofia develops across the text. What other characters influence her growth? How do these characters present problems and obstacles for Sofia?

3. A major theme in the novel is The Struggle for Independence. How does Sofia try to gain independence? What does her struggle say about the conflicts between independence and intimacy more generally?

4. A minor symbol in the text is Rose’s watch, described as a “gangster” watch. Why is the watch important? What does it suggest about Rose’s characterization and character arc?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. The novel was adapted as a film in 2025. Watch the film and reflect on whether the characters appeared and acted as you imagined them in the book. What would you change about the adaptation if you could?

2. Now that Rose and Sofia have repaired their relationship, what do you think will happen next? Will Sofia pursue anything further with Ingrid or Juan? What do you think Rose’s diagnosis is, and how will it affect her healing relationship with Sofia? Share your scenarios.

3. Imagine a brochure for Dr. Gomez’s clinic. What text and images would you use to convey how you picture the clinic’s treatment plans and Dr. Gomez’s general philosophy as a practitioner?