The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post: A Novel

Pick one of Marjorie’s husbands and explain what role he played in her development as a character in this novel. How does the relationship cause Marjorie Merriweather Post to grow?

The novel is interested in the role of women in business in the 20th century. Can Marjorie’s experiences at Post Cereal Company/General Foods be a stand-in for other women, given her incredibly privileged and unique position? Why or why not?

Compare and contrast Marjorie with Alice Roosevelt. How do they each respond to the social, cultural, and political circumstances of their lives?

Why are estates and property important to Marjorie? What do they each symbolize?

The novel fictionalizes the lives of real people. Research some aspect of the real Marjorie Post’s life and compare the reality with its depiction in the novel. What gets changed and why? What are the ethical considerations of writing fiction about real people?

How does Marjorie balance her extreme enjoyment of her immense wealth and unfathomable luxury with her philanthropic endeavors? Does the novel let her off the hook in ways that it would not male billionaires? Why or why not?

The novel critiques the press for publicizing Marjorie’s marriages and divorces, yet it is also focused on these same elements of her life. Is what the novel does different than what the press does? Why or why not?

What argument is Pataki making about Marjorie’s life and legacy?