The Better Sister

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Would you recommend The Better Sister to others? Why, or why not? Get specific about what resonated with you (or didn’t) in the narrative.

2. Which of the characters did you find yourself sympathizing with the most, and why?

3. Did the courtroom element of the novel enhance or detract from your engagement with the story? How does The Better Sister compare to other legal thrillers, such as Defending Jacob by William Landay or Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow?

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

1. What was your initial reaction to Chloe’s revelation that she sided with her brother-in-law over Ethan’s custody and eventually married him? How did this make you feel about her as a protagonist?

2. How does Burke’s portrayal of motherhood, particularly in the context of a blended family, resonate with your own experiences or understanding?

3. Chloe describes her challenges in balancing a career with the demands of family life. Have you been in a similar situation? If so, which of the novel’s scenarios did you relate to?

4. Ethan’s headteacher suggests that Chloe enabled her stepson’s bad behavior “by making excuses” for him (197). Do you agree, or did you sympathize with Chloe’s parenting style? Is there an essential difference between protecting and enabling one’s children?

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

1. Chloe’s character highlights how high-profile women frequently become the target of online abuse. What does Burke suggest about the nature and impact of online trolling?

2. How does The Better Sister engage with the #MeToo movement and broader discussions about domestic abuse and emotional manipulation?

3. What does Chloe’s experience after Adam’s death reveal about how society and the law treat nonbiological parents?

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

1. What are the implications of the novel’s title? How does the reader’s understanding of “the better sister” change during the narrative?

2. How does Burke relate the novel’s events through Chloe’s narrative perspective while also exposing her biases and flaws? Do you consider Chloe a reliable narrator?

3. How does the author use geographical spaces (the Macintosh family’s homes in Manhattan and the Hamptons) to illustrate the novel’s broader themes?

4. How does the novel explore the intersection of law, justice, and corruption? In your opinion, is justice served by the story’s conclusion?

5. Chloe and Nicky’s relationship underscores the complexity of sibling dynamics. Have you read other novels that explore this subject, e.g., All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews, or The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett? If so, how did their treatment of the subject compare?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If Chloe and Nicky wrote a joint memoir after the events of the novel, what title might they choose?

2. Select a song or image that captures the central conflict of The Better Sister.