1. The story is told from the perspectives of many different women and several timelines. Did you like this format? Did it add or take away from the story?
2. Did you have a favorite female story or character? A least favorite?
3. The women who survive face a dismal life as slaves to the Greek victors. Do you think the author was able to portray their fear and anguish? Their desire for revenge? Do you think you could survive becoming a slave to your enemy?
4. Did reading about the female perspective of this war change your view on the Trojan War in particular or war in general. Have you ever thought about the consequences of war on those left behind before reading this story?
5. Who do you think is responsible for starting the Trojan War that led to the fall of Troy? The Gods? Humans? Helen?
6. Discuss your thoughts and emotions about the practice of sacrificing humans to appease the Gods? Did any sacrifice depicted in the book surprise you more than others? What would you do if you knew you were to be sacrificed?
7. Did you give the God and Goddesses stories more weight than the human stories? Did you enjoy one more than the other? What did you think about the interactions between the Gods and Goddesses?
8. Did you have a favorite or least favorite male character?
9. This book was short-listed for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2020. What do you think made it worthy of this nomination?
Book Club Talking Points:
This retelling of the fall of Troy explores the dark side of Greek war heroes. It's told from the perspective of the women with many messages about the strength it takes to stay behind. It delves into the desire for revenge and the bonds that help them survive when captured.
(Discussion Questions by PrincetonBookReview
(Feel free to use with attribution)
