The Gown

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The Gown weaves together three narratives across different time periods. Which of the three main characters’ stories resonated with you most deeply and why?

2. Jennifer Robson explores the lives of ordinary women affected by extraordinary historical events in many of her novels. What similarities or differences did you notice between Ann’s journey in The Gown and Charlotte’s experiences during the Blitz in Robson’s Goodnight from London?

3. The novel focuses on the previously untold stories of the women behind a significant historical event. What impact did this perspective have on your understanding of history? How do its goals align with those of nonfiction books with a similar focus, such as Margot Lee Shetterley’s Hidden Figures?

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

1. Ann and Miriam both find friendship and solace in their shared creative work during difficult times. When has a creative pursuit or professional collaboration helped you through hardship?

2. Have you ever discovered a family secret that changed your understanding of a relative or your family history?

3. How has clothing or fashion been significant in defining your identity or life experiences, similar to the way it shapes the characters in the novel?

4. Both Ann and Miriam must make difficult choices about leaving their homes and starting anew. What major life transition have you experienced that required similar courage?

5. Heather discovers her passion for storytelling through exploring her grandmother’s past. What unexpected path has led you to discover a new interest or talent in your life?

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

1. What lingering effects of World War II are shown through the characters’ experiences in post-war Britain?

2. The novel examines how rigid class structures in post-war Britain limited opportunities and shaped perceptions. What similar class divisions do you observe in contemporary society?

3. How do public celebrations and royal events function in today’s society compared to their portrayal in the novel?

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

1. What significance does the white heather from Balmoral hold as a recurring symbol throughout the novel?

2. The novel alternates between three narrators across different time periods. What does this narrative structure reveal about the themes of legacy and memory?

3. How do the novel’s contrasting portrayals of Jeremy and Walter raise questions about masculinity and male gender roles?

4. Robson uses clothing and fashion as metaphors throughout the novel. What insights do these metaphors provide about the characters and their society?

5. Each character interprets and fulfills their responsibilities to preserve family legacy differently. Which character’s approach to honoring their heritage did you find most compelling?

6. How does the author handle the revelation of trauma in the novel? What narrative techniques does Robson employ to convey these experiences and their aftermath?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were to design an embroidery piece inspired by your own family history, similar to Miriam’s tapestries, what images and symbols would you include?

2. Imagine Heather’s book about her grandmother and the making of the royal wedding gown has been published. What title would you give it?

3. If Ann had stayed in England and maintained her friendship with Miriam, how might both of their lives have unfolded differently?

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