Book Club Discussion Questions for Women's Hotel by Daniel M. Lavery

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Women's Hotels in 20th Century New York City and our BookBrowse Review of Women's Hotel.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. Discuss the significance of Daniel M. Lavery's choice to focus on a specific time period and setting in American history, and how this adds depth and meaning to the overall narrative of Women's Hotel.
2. Women's Hotel has a full cast of fascinating, rich characters. Explore the intricate dynamics between them, especially during critical events like Moving Day. How do these dynamics influence their relationships and interactions?
3. The interplay between personal ambition and communal living is a central narrative strand. How do the aspirations of individual characters at the Biedermeier influence both their personal trajectories and their relationships with others?
4. Can you discuss how Carol, Lucianne, and Katherine play a role in the keydecisions within the Biedermeier?
5. How does Mrs. Mossler's approach to managing the hotel contribute to the interpersonal dynamics amongst the characters, and how does it impact their lives?
6. How does Katherine's relationship with her faith and her struggles with alcoholism influence her character development and interactions with others in Women's Hotel?
7. As the Biedermeier becomes a microcosm of larger societal dynamics, how do the friendships and conflicts within its walls mirror the shifting landscape of women's rights and experiences post-World War II?
8. What internal conflicts does Stephen, the elevator operator, face, and how does his character provide insight into the gender dynamics and societal expectations of the era?
9. How does the Women's Hotel serve as a symbol of resilience and empowerment for its female residents, despite the challenges and obstacles they face in their personal lives? Reflect on the relationships and interactions among the women in the hotel. How do these relationships evolve throughout the book, and what do they indicate about the themes of friendship, support, and community?

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Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of HarperVia. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.

For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Women's Hotels in 20th Century New York City and our BookBrowse Review of Women's Hotel.