10 Olga Dies Dreaming Book Club Questions and Discussion Guide
Xóchitl González’s poignant novel, “Olga Dies Dreaming”, is more than just a tale of two siblings navigating the complexities of love, identity, and familial bonds. Set against the vibrant and tumultuous backdrop of Puerto Rico, the narrative deftly weaves political upheaval with personal discovery, demanding a thorough exploration.
While the captivating storyline pulls readers into the heart of the narrative, the underlying themes and character dynamics demands a deeper contemplation from us bibliophiles.
In this blog post, we’ve crafted a set of detailed book club questions for Olga Dies Dreaming to guide you through some of the novel’s most thought-provoking facets, unraveling the intricate story González has so masterfully woven.
Whether you’ve just turned the last page or are revisiting the Acevedo siblings’ journey, these questions promise to enrich your understanding and appreciation of this remarkable work of literature.
Lets begin.
Olga Dies Dreaming Book Club Questions
- Throughout the novel, Olga’s relationship with her mother, Blanca, is characterized by distance, both physically and emotionally. Through Blanca’s letters, we witness the various ways in which Blanca has tried to influence Olga’s life decisions, from her educational choices to her personal relationships.
How does this relationship affect Olga’s sense of identity and her ability to make independent choices, and how does it reflect the broader theme of personal sacrifice for a larger cause? - Congressman Prieto Acevedo grapples with multiple aspects of his identity, from his sexuality to his allegiance to both his family and his political position. Compounded by external pressures such as the Selby brothers’ blackmail and the weight of his mother’s revolutionary expectations, Prieto faces internal struggles.
Given the layers of societal and familial pressures, how does Prieto’s revelation about his sexuality and HIV status redefine his sense of self-worth and purpose? - The looming threat and eventual devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria serve not just as a backdrop, but also as pivotal events that shift the characters’ trajectories. Amid the personal dramas, these natural disasters bring into sharp focus the U.S.’s treatment of Puerto Rico and the ensuing political and economic implications.
In what ways do these hurricanes serve as metaphors for the larger forces that shape the lives of the Acevedo siblings and the fate of Puerto Rico? - Dick’s character serves as a symbol of patriarchal power dynamics and unchecked privilege. His interactions with Olga culminate in a deeply traumatic incident that devastates her.
How does the contrast between Olga’s relationship with Dick and her relationship with Matteo explore themes of power, consent, and healing in the novel? - The novel’s flash-forward to 2025 reveals a changed political landscape with the emergence of a revolution in Puerto Rico, spearheaded by Blanca and her organization. Despite the evident dangers posed by Blanca, Olga is conflicted about whether to intervene or let events unfold.
Considering the blend of personal and political, how does the novel’s ending challenge traditional notions of loyalty, justice, and individual responsibility in the face of systemic challenges? - Matteo’s character serves as a support system for Olga, sharing in her griefs and joys. Yet, his reveal near the novel’s end about his significant wealth and investments in Brooklyn real estate provides a new dimension to his character.
How does this revelation about Matteo’s wealth, juxtaposed with his initial portrayal as someone who empathized with Olga’s personal struggles, shift our understanding of his character, motivations, and the dynamics of his relationship with Olga? - The novel continuously grapples with the absence of parents – from Blanca’s self-imposed exile for her revolutionary beliefs to Johnny’s tragic demise from AIDS.
How does the pervasive theme of absence in the lives of the Acevedo siblings shape their individual and collective emotional landscapes, and in what ways does this absence function as both a source of pain and motivation? - Blanca’s letters to her children reveal her attempts to control and manipulate their choices, and Prieto’s political career is shaped by the coercion from the Selby brothers.
Considering these dynamics, how does the novel examine the tension between personal autonomy and external influences, and how do these forces impact the characters’ personal growth and trajectories? - At various junctures in the story, the personal lives of the Acevedo siblings intertwine with the political climate of Puerto Rico, especially concerning the PROMESA oversight and its ramifications.
In what ways does the narrative underscore the intricate balance between the personal and political, and how do the characters navigate these overlapping arenas? - Throughout the story, themes of identity, culture, and legacy play out against the backdrop of Puerto Rico’s socio-political landscape. With Blanca’s revolutionary aspirations and the siblings’ complex relationship with their homeland, the novel delves deep into the notion of ‘home.’
How do the characters’ individual and collective relationships with Puerto Rico evolve over the course of the narrative, and how does the novel address the multifaceted concept of home and belonging?
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