An Exaltation of Larks

This award-winning novel follows the crossing paths of three friends. Alejandro Lark is a Chilean refugee who feels unworthy of survival. Valerie, his fiercely loyal wife, has adored and sheltered him since she was twelve. Her devotion is tested by Javier, a male escort who is loyal only to himself, yet unable to resist the Larks. Across three decades, the intense connection between the trio leads first to friendship, then to love, then to a dark exaltation that threatens all they hold dear.

Book club questions for An Exaltation of Larks by Suanne Laqueur

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

How do family relationship shape each of the characters during the novel?

An Exaltation of Larks contains both the events of September 11, 1973 and September 11, 2001. How did each 9/11 and its aftermath affect Alex and Jav?

“Nephew” has a distinctive connotation in the sex trade industry, and one of the recurring themes in Larks is uncle-nephew relationships. How does Javier’s abusive relationships with Miguel and Enrique ultimately impact his discovery that he, himself is an uncle? Alex has a similar discovery at the end of the novel. What kind of uncle will he be?

Javier was raised to have a strong work ethic. How did this work to his advantage or disadvantage in his adult life? What price did he pay when he either closed or opened his heart to love?

Valerie is a matriarchal figure who draws strength from family and sets tremendous value on her marriage. Was Val wrong to keep her past relationship with Jav a secret from her husband? Was Alex wrong to keep his feelings for Jav from Val?

As the novel explores first love and married love, family relationships, friendships and sexual attraction, how did you relate to each of the characters?

An Exaltation of Larks Book Club Questions PDF

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