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Dirty Laundry
In this dazzling debut novel, Disha Bose revolutionizes age-old ideas of love and deceit. What ensues is the delicious unspooling of a group of women desperate to preserve themselves.
These discussion questions were provided by the book's publisher. A full book club kit, including character introductions and a playlist, can be found here.
Book club questions for Dirty Laundry by Disha Bose
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
Between Ciara, Mishti, and Lauren, which character did you most relate to or empathize with? Did your perception of these women change as you read? How did the alternating points of view influence your perception?
Both Lauren and Mishti feel like outsiders within the village. Discuss the different reasons each woman feels like a fish out of water. Why doesn’t this shared experience result in a friendship? Have you ever felt as though you’ve had a missed opportunity for kinship with someone?
Motherhood, specifically how to be a good mother, is a frequent topic throughout the book. Discuss each mother’s relationship with her children. How are they different or similar?
Social media and public perception are significant themes in the narrative. Discuss how each character’s relationship with social media and local town gossip impacts their daily lives.
The desire for love and the need for self-preservation are at odds several times in the story. Discuss how this conflict presents itself within Ciara, Mishti, and Lauren. Does one character struggle with this dynamic more than the others?
Consider Mishti and Parth’s relationship. How does it differ from the relationship Ciara has with her husband, and Lauren with her partner? How does Mishti and Parth’s arrangement influence their relationship? What do you think are the benefits and drawbacks to an arranged marriage?
Do you think any healthy relationships (whether spousal, friendly, parental, neighborly) are modeled in the novel? If so, which? What do you think it takes to have a healthy and happy relationship?
Female friendship and competition play a major role in the events of the story. Discuss how the dynamics between Ciara, Mishti, Lauren, and the wider group of other moms, affect the outcomes of all three characters.
How does the setting of a small Irish village affect the story? Does the isolation of living in a small town contribute to the characters’ actions?
Discuss the ending of the novel. Were you surprised to learn the truth about Ciara’s death?
Dirty Laundry Book Club Questions PDF
Click here for a printable PDF of the Dirty Laundry discussion questions