The Chilbury Ladies' Choir

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did you feel about Ryan’s choice to tell the story entirely through letters and diary entries? Does this epistolary approach remind you of other novels you’ve read, such as Bram Stoker’s Dracula or more recent, similar works like The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society?

2. The novel balances moments of heroism with instances of violence, deception, greed, etc. Which character’s actions surprised you most, and did the story leave you feeling hopeful or unsettled about human nature during crisis?

3. Ryan weaves together multiple storylines, incorporating elements of both comedy and tragedy into the novel. Did you find this tonal complexity effective, or did certain elements feel inconsistent with the overall narrative?

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

1. Mrs. Tilling evolves from someone who believes women should “smile and agree” to a woman who confronts the brigadier directly (5). Have you experienced moments when circumstances forced you to find a voice you didn’t know you had?

2. The choir becomes a space where women across social classes unite through shared purpose. What activities or groups in your own life have helped bridge differences between people who might not otherwise connect?

3. Miss Paltry’s desperation to escape poverty drives her to orchestrate the baby swap, while the brigadier’s obsession with securing a male heir leads him to propose it. Which character’s motivations felt more understandable to you, and why?

4. Kitty’s disclosure of Venetia’s pregnancy to Henry stems from jealousy and wounded feelings, yet the consequences prove devastating. When have you witnessed or experienced a moment of emotional reaction that created lasting damage you hadn’t anticipated?

5. Venetia initially pursues Alastair as a conquest but gradually develops genuine feelings as she discovers his complexity. What relationships in your life have surprised you by evolving beyond your initial expectations?

6. The novel suggests that crisis can either corrupt individuals or reveal their hidden strength. Thinking about challenging periods you’ve witnessed or experienced, which pattern seems more common to you?

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

1. The formation of the all-female choir directly challenges the vicar’s assumption that women’s voices are insufficient without male participation. Do you see echoes of this dynamic in contemporary discussions about women’s capabilities in leadership or other traditionally male-dominated spaces?

2. Miss Paltry exploits the vulnerabilities of pregnant women during wartime, while characters like Ralph Gibbs profit from underground market activities. What parallels do you see between the moral compromises in wartime Chilbury and the ethical challenges facing communities during modern crises?

3. The novel portrays both the solidarity and class tensions among women during WWII. In what ways do you think modern disasters or challenges create similar opportunities for both unity and division among social groups?

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

1. Ryan structures the narrative so that readers know about Miss Paltry’s baby-swapping scheme long before other characters discover it. How did this dramatic irony affect your reading experience and your feelings toward the various characters involved? Do you think this was the intended effect?

2. The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir serves as both a literal musical group and a symbol of female empowerment throughout the novel. How does their evolution from disbanded choir to prize-winning ensemble to community leaders reflect the broader changes war brings to the village?

3. Multiple storylines focus on childbirth and pregnancy. What connections do you see between these different narratives and the novel’s broader portrayal of motherhood (for example, through characters like Mrs. Tilling)?

4. Which moment would you say marks the novel’s climax? What elements lead you to that conclusion, and how does the climax support the work’s overall meaning?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine you’re tasked with creating a memorial for Prim and Hattie following the bombing. What elements would you include to honor both their individual contributions and their role in the choir community?

2. The novel ends with a journalist arriving to document the women’s wartime experiences. If you were conducting those interviews, what questions would you most want to ask Mrs. Tilling, Venetia, and Kitty about their transformations?

3. Picture the Chilbury Ladies’ Choir performing today in your own community. What songs would you choose for a benefit concert, and what cause would you want them to support through their performance?