Book Clubs
Jessica has also created the following book club discussion questions for the Beryl and Edwina Mysteries. Enjoy!
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Book Club Questions
1. Beryl is a woman living life on her own terms as a modern woman in the 1920s. How have the challenges for today’s women changed and how have they remained the same?
2. Tragedy often brings about the greatest advances in technology and societal norms. Advances in the medical field, including reconstructive surgery, and the disruption of class structure, particularly large-scale rejection of jobs in “service” were a result of WWI. Are the tragedies of today bringing forth similarly sweeping changes? Are these changes positive or negative? Does change require events as dramatic as war to come about or can more moderate events produce similar results?
3. Fictional partnerships often rely on opposites to propel storylines and to create interesting contrast on the page. Are real life friendships and alliances as likely to be made up of very different people?
4. Edwina has lived a completely different life than Beryl. It could easily be argued that is has been narrower. An argument could also be made that it is a life of greater depth. If you had to choose living a life of action or one of connection, which would you choose and why?
5. Beryl is living her life as an expat. Have you ever lived overseas for an extended period? If so, what did you enjoy? What did you miss about your nation of birth? If not, would you consider doing so? Why or why not?
6. Edwina often sees the world through fresh eyes just because of Beryl’s presence. Have you ever had the experience of seeing your own life differently because of another person?
7. Writing a book allows the author the chance to pretend to inhabit the worlds she creates. It is also a way to time travel. If you were writing a book where and when would you set it and why?
8. Murder mysteries explore societal values. What is worth killing for changes over time as society itself changes. Are the motives for murder in the 1920s the same as those today? Are any motives timeless?