Create a free Bookclubs account to organize your book club, get reading recommendations, view hundreds of discussion guides, and more!
An Illuminated Life
In this standalone sequel to the award-winning novel The Wisdom of the Olive Tree, Beth Steeler has finally gotten back on her feet after losing her teenaged daughter and ending her marriage. She's built a life for herself in Italy and is cautiously optimistic about her rekindled relationship with Porter Haven, her former fiancé. But when a phone call brings Porter's past into the present, Beth must decide: preserve the calm, drama-free life she desperately wants, or stay and withstand the upheaval caused by Porter's actions.
Rich with Italian culture and history, An Illuminated Life explores the unintended consequences of our choices. How much understanding do we owe the people we love? What about the lives we unknowingly impact? And is it even realistic to want a life that is quiet and drama free?
An Illuminated Life explores the people and events that permanently alter the narrative of our lives. With unforgettable characters and a gripping story, An Illuminated Life will stay with you long after the last page.
This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with DartFrog Books.
Book club questions for An Illuminated Life by Corey Stewart
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
What does the story about the teddy bear in Chapter 1 tell us about Porter Haven's character? How do you see those characteristics play out in the book?
At the end of Chapter 5, Beth says grief is an unreliable narrator. What does she mean by this? What form does grief take for Beth and how does it influence her decisions?
In Chapter 9, Beth says that in Assisi, the past is always just below the surface, waiting to erupt. How does the book's setting in the Italian countryside influence the story? How does it relate to Beth's inner conflict?
What is the significance of the olive trees in Chapter 8? Do you agree with the lesson Marco takes from the trees about how to live? How does that lesson play out in Marco's life? In Beth's?
In Chapter 18, Beth offers a theory about Marco's home life. What does Marco represent for Beth? Do you think she is right about why he stays?
In Chapter 15, Porter tells Beth a story about Delia. What role did Delia play in Porter's life? Is there someone in Beth's life who played a similar role? In your life?
Beth's uncle David believes there are larger forces at work in the universe than just chance and happenstance. He also believes that some form of tragedy -- what he calls The Chaos -- will touch everyone's life at some point. Do you think David is right?
Beth is working on an article about the evolution of the church of Saint Mary over Minerva throughout the novel. What is the significance of the history of this church? Do you agree with Beth's conclusion that everything in life is what you make of it?
In Chapter 19, Jenny offers Beth some tough love that could seriously damage their friendship. What does Jenny represent for Beth? How does she influence Beth's decision at the end of the book? Have you ever had to do something similar for a friend?
Sloan's existence has the potential to completely derail Porter and Beth's relationship. What characteristics of Sloan mitigate her impact on Porter and Beth's lives? What do you predict for the future of Sloan's relationship with Beth and Porter?
Do you agree with Beth's decision at the end of the book? What factors prompted her to make that decision? Do you believe her inner conflict is resolved?
What are your predictions for the future of the main characters -- Beth, Porter, Jenny -- as the novel comes to a close?
An Illuminated Life Book Club Questions PDF
Click here for a printable PDF of the An Illuminated Life discussion questions