Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What was your experience reading the first part of the novel from Naomi’s perspective? Did you sympathize with her, and at what point, if any, did your opinion of her begin to shift? Did the later reveals from Veronica and Jeremy make you reconsider everything, or did you already suspect the twist?

2. The novel fits into the domestic-thriller genre, which often features an unreliable narrator. How did your experience reading The Divorce compare to other thrillers you’ve read with similar narrative devices, like Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl or A. J. Flynn’s The Woman in the Window? Did you find the twists effective, or did you see them coming?

3. Think about the story’s many shocking moments, from the kidnapping reveal to Jeremy’s final confession. Which twist had the biggest impact on you as a reader, and what made it so powerful or surprising?

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

1. Both Naomi and Veronica are driven by an intense maternal instinct that leads them to make extreme and morally questionable choices. Have you ever done something morally questionable because you were following your instincts?

2. Cora becomes an unexpected ally for Naomi after she’s ostracized by her other friends. Has there ever been a time in your life when support came from an unlikely source?

3. Jeremy systematically dismantles Naomi’s confidence by making her doubt her own memory and perception of reality. Have you ever been in a situation, personal or professional, where you felt your perspective was being deliberately undermined? How did you navigate that feeling of uncertainty?

4. Veronica spends five years searching for her son, driven by a hope that defies all odds. Can you think of a long-term goal you’ve pursued with similar determination? What keeps you motivated when facing obstacles that seem insurmountable?

5. Ezra is a brilliant lawyer despite his disheveled appearance and chaotic office, defying the polished image of his peers. Have you ever been surprised by the difference between someone’s appearance and the reality of their character?

6. The Roths’ life is built around maintaining a facade of suburban perfection. In what ways do you feel pressure, perhaps from social media or community expectations, to present a certain image of your own life?

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

1. The novel explicitly uses the term “gaslighting” to describe Jeremy’s manipulation of Naomi. Why do you think this concept has become so prominent in our cultural conversations today?

2. Jeremy uses his immense wealth and social standing to corrupt the legal system, retaining all the best lawyers to block Naomi from hiring one. In what ways does the novel critique how power and privilege can create an unequal playing field when it comes to justice?

3. When Veronica first reports her son missing, the police are dismissive, seemingly influenced by her and Clay’s history of drug addiction. What does this scene say about how society and institutions often judge a person’s credibility based on their socioeconomic status or past?

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

1. The narrative is strategically split between three different perspectives: Naomi’s, Veronica’s, and Jeremy’s. How does this structure allow the author to manipulate the reader’s loyalties and understanding of the truth as the story unfolds? Why do you think Jeremy’s perspective was saved for the very end?

2. Naomi and Veronica are presented as foils, both mothers driven to extremes to possess the same child. In what ways do their characters challenge traditional ideas of hero and villain? Do you see one as more justified in her actions than the other?

3. How does the novel use the physical spaces of the Roth family home, particularly the wine cellar, to reflect the moral decay hidden beneath its polished surface?

4. Naomi relies on crystals to bring positive energy and a sense of control into her life. What do these objects highlight about her character and her response to the chaos Jeremy creates? How effective are these spiritual tools against his real-world manipulation?

5. What is the significance of the stuffed elephant in the novel? Discuss how its meaning transforms over time and how it changes hands.

6. The family’s secret code phrase is initially a tool for protecting Teddy. How does the repeated use of this phrase track the moral corruption of the family and parental trust?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were to write an epilogue from Teddy’s perspective 10 years after the fire, what would his life look like? How might he understand the complex and tragic story of his three parents?

2. Imagine you’re a casting director for a film adaptation of The Divorce. Which actors would you choose to play Naomi, Jeremy, and Veronica? What specific qualities would make them perfect for capturing the complexities of these characters?

3. Suppose Ezra had survived the fire and was able to testify about what happened in the cellar. How do you think the outcome of the story would have changed for Jeremy and Veronica?