The Bookshop of Secrets

How does the author establish Lara's initial motivations for coming to Lisbon? What drives her character early in the story?

Discuss the significance of the bookshop as both a physical setting and metaphorical space in the story. How does it serve multiple purposes?

How does the author explore themes of identity and belonging through Lara's character?

What role does Lara's theatre background play in how she handles different situations?

How does the relationship between Lara and Bea develop? What draws these characters together?

Discuss how different characters navigate complex moral choices throughout the story.

How does the author incorporate historical figures into the narrative while maintaining the focus on fictional characters?

How does the author build tension and suspense while maintaining historical authenticity?

What different forms of courage do we see displayed by various characters?

How does the author develop the relationships between characters? Which dynamics did you find most compelling?

Discuss the role of Miguel in the story. How does his character contribute to the overall narrative?

How does the author bring wartime Lisbon to life? What details help create the atmosphere?

Discuss the significance of languages and accents in the story. How do they affect character interactions?

How do the various secondary characters contribute to the plot's development?

What themes resonated most strongly with you throughout the novel? How does the author develop them?