1. General Impressions
Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.
- What are your overall impressions of Leo, Emma, and their identity as both a couple and as individuals?
- Considering the dual perspective, what did you enjoy the most and the least about Leo and Emma’s character arcs?
- Though Leo is Emma’s partner, can his obituary-writing exercise be read as invasive?
2. Personal Reflection and Connection
Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.
- Did you find that you had greater empathy for Leo or Emma? Did this change as the novel reached its ending?
- In your opinion, is it ever okay to lie or conceal your past from a partner?
- Are there any events in your life that you would wish to keep hidden from a partner at the beginning of a relationship? At what point, if any, would you decide to tell them and why?
- How did the theme of identity and self-reinvention impact you? Have you ever similarly altered yourself to make yourself more comfortable or happy?
- Do you feel that Emma should have been more upfront with Leo once it was clear that he was going to continue researching her past?
- How might feelings of betrayal and deceit be further impacted by the inclusion of a former partner? Would this be a dealbreaker for you?
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