Book Clubs

1. Before reading the book, what was your perception of women in the early West?

2. What surprised you most about Prospects of a Woman?

3. What did you think of the writing style? Are there any standout sentences/passages which you found compelling?

4. How did your opinion of the novel change as you read it?

5. What aspects of Elisabeth life did you find most challenging? How would you have handled the wilderness and new societal structures of early California? 

6. Which scene has stuck with you the most? 

7. Did you race to the end, or was it a slow burn?

8. How did you the relationship between Nate and Elisabeth strike you?

9. What was your favorite part/least favorite part of the book?

10. Elisabeth wasn’t always a likable character in her struggle to make a life for herself in the early West. How did her choices/decisions sit with you?

11. Do you think successful women today struggle with likability?

12. How might’ve Elisabeth’s life turned out if her father had stayed on the claim?

13. What did you learn from the novel?

14. Elisabeth relied heavily on her women friends in the novel. When have you leaned on another women to help you through difficult times?

15. Do you hold Nemacio at fault for Elisabeth’s desperation?

16. Did you reread any of the passages? If so, which ones?

17. Did reading the novel impact your mood?

18. What were your impressions of Nate and Elisabeth’s relationship?

19. Are there lingering questions in the book you’re still wondering about?

20. How do you feel about the Elisabeth’s decision regarding Nemacio in the last chapter? Would you have made a different decision?