QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

  1. The prologue and epilogue both begin with contrasting lines from Gloria Diamond novels. Sometimes the end—and beginning—sneaks up on you when you least expect it. What is the significance of these lines to the story? How does the meaning of these lines change over the course of the novel? How do the two Gloria Diamond novels these lines come from connect to themes of The Greatest Lie of All?
  2. Discuss the meaning of the title. What is “the greatest lie of all”? Who tells this lie? Could it have more than one meaning to the novel?
  3. Though they butt heads throughout the novel, Gloria and Amelia are actually alike in many ways. Compare and contrast Gloria’s character to Amelia’s. Who is the main character of this novel—Gloria or Amelia? Who can you relate to more and why?
  4. There are several love stories woven into this novel, which is largely about a romance writer. But is The Greatest Lie of All a romance novel? Why or why not? What genre do you think it would fit into?
  5. Bess tells Mare that you “always have a choice” when she decides to marry George, and Gloria repeats this phrase to Amelia near the end of the novel when she’s conflicted about her role in the film. Why is this idea important to the overall theme of the novel? How does it echo through both the past and present storylines?
  6. There’s one chapter in this novel from Bess’s point of view. What is the role of this chapter? What is the significance of Bess to the overall story, in both the past and the present?
  7. Though the novel largely focuses on Amelia and Gloria, the male characters also play a significant role. Compare and contrast the characters of George and Max. George and Will. Jase and Cam. What is Gaitlin’s role in the novel? Is there a villain in this story? A hero? If so, who would it be and why?
  8. Amelia thinks “Writing itself struck me as somewhat close to acting. Pretending to be someone you never would truly be in real life.” Do you agree or disagree that Gloria and Amelia have very similar careers? What role does method acting play in the novel? And how might this also apply to Gloria’s career?
  9. What is the significance of the dedication of Gloria’s first novel: For the one I love, always? Who do you think she dedicated the novel to and why? Why do you think Amelia’s mom circled this in her copy?
  10. What role do the 1980/90s chapters play? Who is “the real Gloria Diamond,” as Gloria tries to show Amelia with her manuscript at the end of the novel?
  11. Discuss the role of the settings in the novel: Pasadena, Chicago, Seattle and the fictional hotel in Belles Woods. How do the atmosphere, weather and landscape add to the overall themes?