Paris by the Book (Callanan) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
We'll add publisher questions if and when they're available; in the meantime, use our LitLovers talking points to help start a discussion for PARIS BY THE BOOK … then take off on your own:

1. Did you connect with the Eady women—Leah and her daughters? What do you make of them?

2. What about Robert? He is somewhat of an enigma, not just to us the readers, but to his wife.  How would you describe him…and his demons?
 
3. As we learn more and more about the Eady's marriage, what were the problems fraying the edges of the relationsip?

4. Does Leah really want Robert back? Or is she (secretly) relieved to be out from under his unhappiness? What do you think?

5. Why do YOU think Robert left? Why do you think Leah, even though abandoned, remains in love with him? Would you still love someone who abandoned you?

6. Liam Callanan uses a female as his narrative voice. How well does he inhabit a woman's perspective? Does he capture the essence of a lonely, heart-broken woman and exhausted single parent?

7. Paris by the Book is replete with literary references. Talk about how it explores the impact literature has on our lives and how we carry around with us remnants of books we've read. In what way, for instance, does Leah's love of The Red Balloons (movie and book) mirror—symbolically—her experiences in Paris?

8. Does the author do a good job of capturing Paris in all its richness and magic?

9. In discussing the pace of the book, some readers felt it took too long to get moving. Others were swept along from the beginning and turning pages rapidly by the end. What was your experience reading Paris by the Book?

10. Are you satisfied with the ending—or were you hoping for a different outcome?

(Questions by LitLovers. Please feel free to use them, online and off, with attribution. Thanks.)

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