- Have you ever told a lie that grew beyond your control? What did you decide to do when the lie became more than you could handle?
- Schroder is written as a confessional letter from Eric to his wife, Laura. Have you ever written a confession? About what and to whom?
- In the novel, Eric tells his first lie when he is five years old. Do you remember your first lie or a time when you witnessed a young child lie? Why do you think you—or the child you witnessed—told this lie?
- If you could change something about your family history, what would it be?
- Which famous family might you pretend to be part of? Why?
- Eric and Laura’s marriage began with a lie about Eric’s identity. How much of ourselves do we keep from our loved ones? Can omissions ultimately doom a relationship? Or is there room for secrets between spouses and in families?
- Meadow is often the only voice of reason in the novel. What about a child’s mind allows Meadow to trust her father but also to be honest with him at the same time?
- Were you ever worried for Meadow’s safety? If not, why not?
- How does Eric’s immigrant status shape the way he sees the world—and the specific people in his world, such as Laura, Meadow, and Albany?
- Do you think Eric is mentally ill or just a confused man who doesn’t want to lose his daughter? How far would you go to hold on to someone you love?
- Can someone who has made mistakes or done bad things in one part of his or her life still be a good parent?
- Are you able to forgive the flaws in your own parents? Do you think Meadow will be able to?