Our Mutual Friend book club questions

The reading plan

Meeting 1: Book 1: The Cup and the Lip

1. How much choice does Lizzie have when she rows despite her dread while her father retrieves money?
2. What might Bella's resentment over her lost marriage fortune suggest about what she expects marriage to provide?
3. Where would you draw the line between earning a living and taking advantage in Wegg's work for Boffin?
4. How should the two doubtful lawyers respond when Riderhood claims to know of a murder confession?

Meeting 2: Book 2: Birds of a Feather

5. How should a family respond when one member feels ashamed of its social standing?
6. What does Bella's generosity toward her father reveal alongside her wish to marry for wealth?
7. What does Johnny's sharing of his toys suggest about giving when someone has little control over their circumstances?
8. How far should an offer of care accommodate Sloppy's loyalty to Betty?

Meeting 3: Book 3: A Long Lane

9. Should kindness toward Riderhood depend on whether it can change him?
10. How might Bella judge Boffin fairly while watching his changing attitude toward money?
11. What does Betty's flight from official relief suggest about the difference between receiving help and feeling cared for?
12. What makes Fledgeby's use of Riah as a target for blame especially effective or unfair?

Meeting 4: Book 4: A Turning

13. How do Sophronia's and Alfred's responses to Georgiana's gifts change your view of their motives?
14. What does Lizzie's rescue of Eugene show about care when a relationship has become painful?
15. How does learning about the shared deception change your judgment of Bella's trust in John?

Themes to talk about

Tips for the host

1. Open each meeting with one question everyone can answer, then go deeper.
2. Anyone who fell behind can catch up with the 15-minute summary.