Discussion Guide

1. Which character in this novel do you identify with the most? Why?

2. In the novel, Catherine is faced with a series of challenges. Do you find her story sympathetic? Have you ever had a situation where you have been challenged? Did it cause a personal change?

3. What do you consider to be the important themes in this novel? What examples did you find?

4. Catherine is the daughter of parents who are very keen for their child to marry according to their social standing. Have you ever had to deal with other people’s expectations (spoken or unspoken) about your relationships? How did you deal with it?

5. If you could give Catherine one piece of advice, what would it be? What advice would you give Jonathan?

6. In what ways do Catherine and Jonathan change throughout the novel? What do you consider to be the biggest factor(s) in their change?

7. While this is a work of fiction, certain historical elements are referenced, such as the visit to the Assembly Rooms in Bath. How did these historical details affect the narrative? Did they help you to feel a sense of time & place?

8. What were the most appealing parts of the book?

9. Did you enjoy the minor characters, such as Jonathan’s sister and the Viscount Carmichael?

10.  What do you think happens next?