The Bright Years

What other novels do you think The Bright Years is in conversation with? In what ways?

Why do you think Lillian withheld the reality that she had placed a baby for adoption from those closest to her? Do you think she was wrong to do so?

When Lillian miscarries, there is a passage (p. 41) where time is moving backward. Why do you think the author chose to do this here? Were there other instances in the book when the treatment of time stood out to you?

Which character did you relate to the most?

Lillian tells Jet that “love doesn’t always feel like we expect.” How does this come up in the parent-child relationships? How does it come up in the romantic relationships?

On page 66, Lillian thinks, “I hate him. But hate is anemic when love hangs around like turpentine in the upholstery.” And on page 97, Ryan begs Lillian to hate him. She replies that she does, but she also loves him. How does this complexity of heart follow them throughout the story?

On page 203, Jet thinks about how Elise’s love “is composed of practicalities.” How did Elise’s choices impact the generations after her? Why do you think grandmothers are so often a stabilizing force in a family?

Jet observes her dad and wonders, “What’s the difference between an excuse and a reason?” What do you think the answer to this question is?

Which relationship did you see as central in the book? Why?

How did the ending of the story impact you? In the classic sense, would you call this book a tragedy or comedy? Did the ending make you see anyone or anything differently in your own life?