I’m often asked for book club questions which makes a case for including them in the back of novels. I find them interesting even if I don’t belong to a book club-though I wish I did! Here is a guide for The Lacemaker curated by LESLIE DEVOOGHT. I think sometimes the best questions come from readers themselves like Leslie. Please feel free to contact me through my website to ask for questions for particular novels. While they may not be as specific as those here, I’m happy to provide them. I’m truly honored when book clubs select my books!
1. At the beginning of the book, Elisabeth says marriage is a business matter. Do you think that is still true today for some people? Do you know anyone who had an arranged marriage or a marriage made for circumstances?
2. Elisabeth takes note of her maid’s freedom. How do our circumstances influence our freedom to make life choices? (Financial, Family, Friends)
3. Noble’s sister died when she was only twenty-nine years old. Have you lost a sibling or no someone who has? What were the circumstances? Can life ever be the same? How are priorities shifted?
4. At the beginning of the book, Elisabeth’s mother has left her. Later, her father leaves her. What do you think of Elizabeth’s reactions to her parents’ abandonment? How do you think her mother’s subsequent return renewed their relationship?
5. After the raid of the town house, Elisabeth is left completely humbled and vulnerable. What do you think she was feeling? Have you ever had a similar experience? What do you think of Noble’s reaction? Contrast Noble and Roth’s reactions to Elisabeth’s plight. (see chapter 5)
6. Miles and Noble are cousins. Have you ever had a relative embarrass or bring shame to your family? Did your family try to protect/help the wayward relative? How? (see page 69)
7. What do you think of Elisabeth’s demeanor as she escapes Williamsburg with Noble? (see page 74-75)
8. Food often reminds us of home. In this story, the cook makes traditional Welsh dishes, and Mistress Tremayne provides Elisabeth with English tea. What foods bring you comfort or bring back memories? Are there certain foods that must be a part of your family’s traditions? (see page 77, 81)
9. On page 91, Elisabeth says: “Providence spares us a great many pains we’d inflict on ourselves otherwise.” Do you agree with her? If so, how has this manifested in your life or others?
10. What did you think about Lady Elisabeth changing her name to Liberty, and Noble calling her Libby? Have you ever been given a nickname? How did it make you feel? (see page 121)
11. Liberty must start her life over from scratch. How is that both freeing and limiting?
12. On page 172, Liberty questions whether “the Lord was showing her how brokenness could become abundance in the days to come.” How has this been true in your life?
13. Why do you think Liberty refuses to ask for or accept Noble’s help?
14. Do you feel like pride is motivation for Liberty’s actions? When and how does pride become a liability? (see page 213)
15. On page 230, Noble says to Libby: “‘Anger is a shaky foundation for espionage.’” Have you ever been motivated by anger? How did that work out for your situation?
16. On page 230, Noble says, “Let the Lord make a gentleman of him (Lord Stirling).” What do you think Noble means by this?
17. On page 394, Liberty remembers Psalm 139. Scripture brings Noble and Liberty comfort. Is there a scripture that you turn to in times of distress? How has scripture brought you peace?
18. The first sentence of the epilogue reads: “Twas the bitter that made the sweet all the sweeter.” How has this been true in your life?