BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS

1.Poppy is heading home for her holidays when, out of guilt and a sense of duty, she is dragged into working with Agnes. Has anything similar ever happened to you? How do you balance life and work?

2.One of the main themes of the book is the relationship between mothers and their children. Discuss how this is explored with the various characters.

3.In light of recent high-profile paedophile cases – as well as the #MeToo movement – what issues are raised in the book that still have resonance today?

4.Another theme (which occurs in all the Poppy Denby books) is the lack of opportunity for women to pursue careers outside of the home. However, in The Art Fiasco, that is broadened to embrace the issue of class. Compare Agnes, Poppy, Delilah, and the young girl Edna and consider how their class backgrounds affect their opportunities.

5.Forgiveness and unforgiveness are demonstrated by different characters in the story. Who forgives, who struggles to, and who refuses to? What effect does this have on their lives and the lives of those around them?

6.Is there anything you would like to ask the author? If so, tweet her @fionaveitchsmit or send a message via her website www.poppydenby.com