Lady Tremaine

Motherhood is at the core of "Lady Tremaine." Discuss the novel's depiction of motherhood and its sacrifices.

How did falconry serve as a metaphor for motherhood in the novel? What did the character of Lucy, Etheldreda's peregrine falcon, add to the story?

The world that Etheldreda inhabits has not been kind to her - nor is it kind to most women. Discuss the societal constraints that Etheldreda faces. How, if at all, does the world of the novel mirror our modern one?

Elin is not portrayed as a perfect fairy tale heroine. What flaws does she possess, and how does she grow and develop over the course of the novel?

In this version of the story, Etheldreda and Elin do not get along, but their conflict is not driven by hatred or "evil." Why do Etheldreda and Elin come into conflict? Is either of them "right"?

The book examines a multitude of female relationships: mother/daughter, sisters, friendship, romantic care, frenemies. Which female relationship did you find most interesting or revelatory?

How does Etheldreda and Sigrid's relationship evolve through their different stages of life? Contrast their initial and ultimate goals, and their styles of motherhood.

What other myth or fairy tale retellings have you read? How did "Lady Tremaine" compare?

The novel contains many nods to classic moments from the Disney animated movie. Which were your favorites?

The ending of the book deviates significantly from the source material. Did you prefer the sections of the book that hewed more closely to the classic Cinderella story, or when the author took it in new directions?

How does the primary message presented in this novel contrast with the message of the classic Cinderella story? Which is a better lesson for young girls to internalize?

The house, and particularly the roof of the house, plays a large role in the book and provides another metaphor. Discuss what the house means to the characters and why Elin chooses to use a piece of it as a weapon at the end of the novel.

Were you expecting this book to be as dark as it was? Did any of the revelations or events at the end surprise you?

How does the revelation of what happened to Hemma reframe the entire story? What impact does switching the villain to the prince have?

Do you think that Sigrid is also a villain, or did you find her sympathetic despite some of her morally questionable actions?

Etheldreda declines to marry Otto at the end of the book. How does this reflect her character's growth over the course of the novel? What allows her to be less sensitive to how society perceives her?

In the epilogue, Etheldreda speaks directly to the reader, saying "You tell me: is this a happy ending?" How would you answer her question? What does "happily ever after" mean to you?

Consider the final lines of the novel: “You do not need to be afraid. You do not have to be good. You do not need to hide your fleshy interiors behind a carapace of frills and lace. Life is not meant for measurement. There is but one beat to heed. Live like this and you will know with certainty: You are the scariest thing in the woods.” Do you agree with these "distilled maxims" from Etheldreda? What would you change or add?