Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How accurately does Everhart’s account of the Colony depict the injustices against women at the time? Which aspects of the novel did you find the most compelling, and why?

2. Have you read any other of Everhart’s works, such as The Saints of Swallow Hill? How are the female characters portrayed in both novels?

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

1. What were your feelings about the Chamberlain-Kahn Act and the American Plan? How did you interpret the stated goals of this legislation?

2. How sympathetic are you to a character like Dorothy Baker? Explain your stance using examples from the novel.

3. Choose one of the women incarcerated at the Colony. How does this person’s experiences relate to (or contradict) your personal views or your own life experiences?

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

1. Compare the recent legislation affecting women’s rights and bodily autonomy to the legislation discussed in the text. How similar are they? How different?

2. Stella briefly reflects on women’s lack of financial freedom during the era in which the novel is set. How does this issue impact women’s independence?

3. How does American society still police female behavior today? Which expectations for women remain, and which have changed?

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

1. Discuss the trajectory of Stella’s character, focusing on her ultimate fealty to Baker. Would you have hoped for a different ending for her? Why or why not?

2. What was the purpose of Stanley Newell’s presence in the novel, given his failure to help the women in the Colony? What would be lost if he were never introduced in the text?

3. What purpose does Ethel Maynard serve in the narrative?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine what might happen after Ruth sends her story to the newspaper to refute the article about Baker’s heroism. Write another chapter that narrates the results of Ruth’s decision.

2. If this novel were turned into a series, who would you cast in each major role? Explain your choices.