- At the onset of the novel, Alice is very self-centered. At what moment(s) do you feel this began to shift for her?
- Superstitions are common, especially in sports. Alice wears a pin for good luck. Teach relies on symbols and astrology. How
did some of these superstitions become a self-made prophecy? What types of good-luck charms do you have?
- This novel is written in a dual-timeline format, between Alice’s present and Alice’s past. If the author included another
point of view, which character would you enjoy hearing from?
- The “Past-Tense Alice” chapters focus on Alice’s rise and fall within the tennis world. How would you react to the diagnosis
of never being able to do what you love again?
- The “Present-Tense Alice” chapters are set during the Second World War. Why do you think contributing to the war efforts was
important to Alice? Do you think this motivation changes throughout the book? If so, how?
- Would you have walked away from Hans the first time? What about the second time?
- Alice strives to belong, to be seen, to be respected, this mindset and motivation being influential to many moments in her
life. Are there any decisions you would have made differently if you were in Alice’s shoes?
- Having a photographic memory can be an advantage, but it can also be a disadvantage. How do you think this ability helped
or hindered Alice?
- If you also wrote for the Wonder Women of History column, what women would you highlight?
- Others have questioned the validity of Alice’s claims. Discuss how you feel about the author holding Alice at her word while bringing the novel to life.
- What, if anything, would motivate you to risk your life as a spy during the war?
- Alice was much more than just tennis. The novel briefly mentioned her aspirations for singing, acting, and clothing design.
If you fell down a rabbit hole (one of the best compliments for a historical author), what did you most enjoy learning about
Alice?
- The novel’s title presents us with three distinct phases in Alice’s life. Given these memorable periods of her life, why do
you think she faded from popular culture and memory so quickly?
- The author is known to include Easter eggs in her novels. Did you catch the Easter eggs in this novel? (Hint: there are ones
from Unsinkable, A Betting Woman, and Becoming Bonnie.)
- If this book was adapted for TV or film, who would you cast? What songs would you include on the soundtrack?
Written by Marisa Gothie and Nicholle Thery-Williams from the Bookends and Friends book club.