When Lemons Give You Life

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What was your initial reaction to Griff’s decision to fake dementia? Did you find it a sympathetic act of love, a selfish deception, or something in between? How did your feelings about his choice change as you learned more about his past and his relationship with Beau?

2. What did you think of the novel’s blend of humor and deep sorrow? Think about a moment that made you laugh, and one that moved you. How did the author balance these different emotional tones?

3. In the novel, Anna Johnston uses food as a language for love, grief, and dignity. How did this compare to other stories you’ve read or watched where food plays a major role, such as Laura Esquivel’s novel Like Water for Chocolate or the film Waitress? In what ways was the role of food in this novel unique?

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

1. Because of her ADHD, Lisa often finds herself “masking,” or trying to present a polished version of herself. Can you think of a time when you felt pressure to hide a part of yourself to fit in or meet expectations?

2. How does Griff’s journey from celebrated chef to a man considering dying by suicide and back to a chef with a sense of purpose resonate with you? Think about a time when an activity or passion helped you navigate a difficult period in your own life. How did it help you? 

3. Frank’s nonjudgmental acceptance helps Lisa begin to value herself, and his support is a turning point for her. Who in your own life accepts you for who you are? 

4. Beau’s message on the cassette tape is a posthumous guide for Griff, urging him toward kindness and reconciliation. Has there ever been a piece of advice or wisdom from someone you care about that has stayed with you and influenced your choices long after they shared it?

5. The Anzac biscuits are a peace offering Lisa repeatedly extends to Griff. Think about a gesture, big or small, that you’ve used to try to mend a connection or express care when words were difficult. What makes these kinds of nonverbal offerings so powerful?

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

1. The novel critiques issues like inadequate funding for food and a lack of inclusive options for couples. How did the story make you think differently about the challenges faced by the elderly and their families in institutional care systems?

2. The novel sheds light on the specific anxieties of older LGBTQIA+ individuals, like the fear of having to go “back into the closet” in a nursing home. How does Griff and Beau’s story illustrate the ongoing conversation about the difference between legal equality and true, lived acceptance within societal institutions?

3. How does the story of Lisa’s late ADHD diagnosis reflect broader societal shifts in understanding neurodivergence, especially in women? What does her journey suggest about the impact of misinterpreting neurological conditions as personality flaws?

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

1. How does the author use the alternating perspectives of Griff and Lisa, along with flashbacks, to slowly unravel their family’s secrets? How might the story have been different if told from only one point of view?

2. How does the symbol of the lemon tart evolve over the course of the novel? 

3. What role does Scotty play in Griff’s transformation? How does their mentor-apprentice relationship allow Griff to express a different side of himself that he was never able to show Lisa?

4. Why do you think Johnston creates a complex antagonist with Allison, the facility manager? How does Johnston’s choice add depth to Allison’s character and her role in the narrative?

5. Secrets are central to the plot, fracturing the Barlow family for decades. How does the novel’s exploration of hidden truths and their consequences compare to books such as Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies, Kim Michele Richardson’s The Mountains We Call Home, or Ellen Baker’s The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson? What does Johnston’s novel argue is the ultimate cost of secrets kept for protection?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. What song do you imagine Frank playing for Lisa that truly captures their relationship? Would it be something gentle and comforting, or quirky and humorous? Why does that particular piece of music feel right for them?

2. Imagine you’re adapting this story into a film. Which scene do you think would be the most challenging to film, and which would be the most powerful on screen? Describe the emotional tone, setting, and dialogue involved.