QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1. Why do you think Catherine and Zoe turned out to be so different as sisters? Was it a matter of biology, the way they were raised, or other factors?

2. Eve and her husband, Andrew, are both unfaithful during the course of their marriage. Do you think they truly loved each other? Whose betrayal was greater?

3. When Russell became physically involved with his student, do you think he should have been charged with a crime? Why or why not?

4. Sexual abuse affects many of the women in this novel. How do you think her sexual history impacted Zoe? What about Willow and Nola, who both experienced abuse as children?

5. It’s never easy for the family of a substance abuser to know what steps to take to support a loved one who’s struggling with addiction. In your opinion, who do you think parented Zoe more effectively? Eve, who loved her unconditionally and continued giving her money? Or Andrew, who thought they needed to take a tough-love approach and let Zoe sink or swim? What would you have done, if Zoe were your daughter?

6. At two different points in the novel, Russell suggests that he and Catherine should live together again, if only as roommates. Would you have let Russell move back if you were in Catherine’s situation?

7. Did the novel end up the way you thought it should, or were you predicting a different resolution?

8. Do you consider this a “happy” ending?