12 The Magnolia Palace Book Club Questions

ByBooks That Slay Editors Last Updated:

Fiona Davis has a remarkable ability to transport readers through time, breathing new life into historical narratives. Her novel, The Magnolia Palace, is a meticulously crafted piece of writing that blends past and present, leaving readers captivated by the intricate interplay of characters and their worlds.

With dual timelines that converge in a mesmerizing dance, the novel explores themes of wealth, love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

As you dive deep into this captivating tale, you’ll find yourself pondering the complexities of the characters, the impact of societal changes, and the enduring mysteries hidden within the walls of the Magnolia Palace.

To spark lively discussions and deeper exploration of this thought-provoking novel, here is a list of book club questions for The Magnolia Palace.

Let’s go.

the magnolia palace book club questions infographic

The Magnolia Palace Book Club Questions

  • In this captivating story, one will uncover the inherent worth of beauty, the extravagances of great wealth, and an enigmatic death shrouded with secrets. Out of these three, which one do you think is the most intriguing and forms a large part of the novel’s plot?

  • Does anyone know about the Spanish flu pandemic that occurred exactly a century ago, coinciding with the pandemic? A minor part of the novel, dealing with the death of Lilian Carter’s mother, has to do with the flu pandemic. In your opinion, what’s your take on this pandemic, being a coincidence or a subtle reference?

  • Davis’s study of feminine beauty reveals the control dynamics between men and women within the Frick family. It brings to light how, in a patriarchal society, female attractiveness can be manipulated as currency or favor with influential individuals. By leveraging this power effectively, women are able to gain access to opportunities and resources that would otherwise remain out of reach. Do you think this is still a relevant dynamic today? If so, how has it evolved in current times?

  • Veronica is fired from her shoots when she raises her voice against the inhuman working conditions for the workers. Do you think it was a brave thing to do? How can we, as readers, learn from Veronica’s character as it pertains to standing up against injustice?

  • With a shared passion for art and an unwavering ambition to make it in the entertainment industry, Lillian and Veronica find themselves on remarkable journeys that take them to unforeseen places with extraordinary people. The death of a loved one, in both cases, adds to the complexity of their individual stories. How do you think this tragedy brought forth a change in their lives? Also, have you ever lost someone you love? If yes, how did it affect you?

  • Lillian is mistaken for someone else, leading to her unexpected job at the Frick Mansion, and Veronica is unexpectedly locked inside the museum with Joshua Lawrence. How does Davis use fate as a plot device in The Magnolia Palace?

  • The Frick Mansion holds a certain sense of enigma in its design. The beautifully crafted architecture is a testament to the wealth of its owner. If you were to spend one entire day in such a huge mansion, how would you spend your time? What would you explore within the mansion and its grounds?

  • Did you like Fiona Davis’ approach to using two different storylines in the novel? If she was present at this book club meeting, what are the questions that you would throw at her in order to understand the intricacies of her writing style?

  • Fiona Davis, in this book, defies the common male perspective of women, demonstrating that a woman’s beauty is much more than simply a thing to be admired. She emphasizes that there are several layers and nuances within female beauty rather than it being something one-dimensional and perfect. What is your opinion on this? Do you think it’s a valuable lesson for readers to learn?

  • Some of the themes explored in The Magnolia Palace include ambition, survival, family, fate, class struggle, identity, and destiny. These concepts are all explored through Lillian and Veronica’s journeys, as well as through their interactions with Henry Clay Frick’s family. What do you think was the most important theme among them?

  • Davis’ description of art in The Magnolia Palace helps to set the tone for the novel and provides insight into the characters. The discussion of Lady Hamilton’s portrait in particular, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative and serves as a reminder of the societal expectations that women face. In what ways did you find this imagery useful in understanding the story? What other elements of the story stood out to you?

  • Do you think the character Miss Helen was primarily introduced by Davis as someone who possesses power and privilege? If yes, how important was her role in the story, according to you?

If you liked this set of questions, here are a few other options for you to explore.