Little Disasters
Book Club Questions

1.   Consider the two epigraphs, “Morning Song” by Sylvia Plath and the excerpt from Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Why do you think the author chose to introduce her novel with these two selections? How do they set the tone of Little Disasters?

2.   Sarah Vaughan explores the bonds of friendship throughout the novel. Compare and contrast Liz’s relationships with Jess, Mel, and Charlotte. What does Liz like about these three women? What does she find challenging or difficult to relate to in each of them?

3.   One theme running throughout the novel is how people react to things outside their control. Which characters struggle with handling uncertainty? How do they manage their fears surrounding control?

4.   At the beginning of the novel, Liz describes her advisor, Neil, and how, as a male doctor, his life is quite different from hers. Liz thinks to herself, “I want a wife” (p33 US, 34 UK) and wishes she had a partner who could fulfil many of the duties historically handled by women. How are gender roles explored in the novel, especially with regard to parenting?

5.   Liz and her mother are very different characters; do you think there are any ways in which they are similar?

6.   There are many characters suspected of harming Betsey. Were you surprised at the two final twists at the end of the novel and how Betsey actually was injured? Did you have any idea who the real culprit was?

7. How would you describe Ed and Jess’ marriage? How does it change throughout the course of the novel? Do you think they will have a happy partnership in the future?

8. Do you sympathize with Jess’ instinct to cover up what actually happened on the day Betsey was hurt? Did you ever feel frustrated with Jess’ choices? How would you have handled this difficult situation?

9. How is mental health explored in Little Disasters? Who is struggling with mental health, and how do they cope with their issues? How do their struggles affect their family, friends, and selves?

10. Liz and Jess must both learn to trust themselves; do you think they have learned how to by the end of the novel?

11. The mothers in this novel are all judged for their parenting choices in one way or another. What dilemmas does Sarah Vaughan raise about modern motherhood? Do you think these issues are new or timeless? How have more recent societal changes heighten them?

12. Almost every character is hiding a secret of one type or another; whose secret most intrigued you? What was the character’s motivation in hiding the truth?