Three Women Book Club Discussion Questions
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
Note: Spoiler alert - this post contains spoilers if you haven’t finished the book.
I recently read Three Women by Lisa Taddeo in my book club and I thought it would be helpful to add some discussion questions and topics, in case anyone else out there is looking to use this for their reading club. :)
If you want to read my review on the book, you can read it here.
Initial thoughts & reactions of the ending
What did you think of Maggie’s final verdict?
Would you have done something with the extra handwriting samples her mom found?
Why do you think the community was so quick to defend Aaron and dismiss Maggie?
Regarding Sloane, do you think she should’ve taken the fall for the relationship with Wes? Or do you think she should’ve told the truth?
Do we think that Sloane is truly happy in her situation?
Why do you think she agreed to the open marriage? Do you think it will continue?
Would you be open to an open relationship? In today’s society, do you think that it’s becoming more normalized and less taboo?
Power is a big theme with the Sloane storyline, do you think within Jenny v. Sloane’s own relationships, which of them holds more power?
What was your take on Lina’s relationship with Aidan? Have you ever experienced an Aidan?
Even though her happiness is mostly revolved around Aidan, how did this affair allow her to take control of her narrative again? Do you think it will continue and for how long?
What did you think about the way the author depicted the other women in Lina’s group? (i.e. how they seemed almost jealous whenever she was happy because she had seen Aidan)
Favorite Quotes
Pg. 7 “We pretend to want things we don’t want to so nobody can see us not getting what we need.”
Pg. 101 “Women shouldn’t judge one another’s lives, if we haven’t been through one another’s fires.”
“So many of the fears about desire seem to be the things we should have overcome years ago. We can say we want to fuck indiscriminately but we cannot exactly say that we expect to be happy.”
“There is nothing safer than wanting nothing. But being safe in that way I’ve come to know does not save you from pain, death, sickness. Sometimes the only thing it saves is face.” (epilogue)
Overall Themes
How does this book display feminism?
What do you think of the author’s mom's last words, “Don’t let them see you happy” ?
What are some of the more surprising aspects of the book to you? Did you learn anything new or did it have you view an aspect of desire differently?
Of the three women—Lina, Sloane and Maggie—which one did you relate to the most?
Hope this helps some fellow book lovers! And if you are looking for a book club to join, feel free to check out ours here: Bad Babes with Books. We read mostly fiction and books written by female authors that champion women’s stories.
You can also join our Facebook Group here.
love,
s.