My book group discussion guide

I think book groups can be a bit like a blind date (although I’m guessing a bit here. It’s been a while…). But I have been to a fair few book groups and I know that sometimes the conversation flows – and other times, it needs a few prompts to get things started.

I’ve finally put together some starting-point questions for groups that have read Tell Me How This Ends.

Since my book was selected as a Radio 2 Book Club pick, I’ve been invited to chat to lots of local groups and readers have come up with some fantastic questions. So, the truth is, I can’t take the credit for all of these! Several German reading groups have got in touch too, which was lovely.

I hope these questions help start some lively, interesting discussions for you – and I’m always happy to answer any burning questions – whether it’s about the characters, the plot or Lottie, my dog who was the inspiration for Dave – via a DM on social media.

Tell Me How This Ends by Jo Leevers – suggested book group discussion questions

• How accurately do you think the book represents attitudes to women and people of Irish descent in London the 1970s?

• What role does humour play in the book?

• Henrietta knows she is different from other people, especially when she puts on her ‘mask of indifference’. What do you think lies behind her quirky ways – nature or nurture?

• If Annie had never heard about the Life Stories Project from Mia, how might her final months have played out?

• What do you think Henrietta learned from Annie?

• And, in turn, what did Annie gain from her friendship with Henrietta?

• Did you identify with one character more strongly than the other(s)?

• Annie might not have had an entirely good life, but do you think she had
  a ‘good death’?  

• How do you imagine Henrietta’s life continuing after we leave her on the platform of St Austell station in Cornwall?

• Did the theme of grief strike a personal chord with you?

• If you were writing your own Life Story, what are three key events that you would include? Is there anything you would be tempted to leave out?