WellRead’s January 2022 selection was Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl González. This novel explores political corruption, gentrification, familial strife, community, love, betrayal, the complicated inheritance of diaspora, and the very notion of the American Dream.
Use these discussion questions to engage with the book further, whether in a book club with friends, or just on your own as you digest the story.
Reading questions for Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl González:
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Showing up for family is written into the novel several times. Discuss how these moments were portrayed and which resonated with you?
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How does Olga and Prieto's sense of self change as their relationship with their mother evolves?
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Olga and Prieto are highly-motivated and career-focused people who are invested in their communities. In what ways do the divergent trajectories of the two siblings reflect their different relationship to their hometown of Brooklyn? To the values of the society around them?
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How does González bring the discourse around aid and relief to the forefront of this novel?
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Matteo enters Olga’s life and unapologetically discloses his backstory. How does their romantic relationship change and influence some of the decisions Olga makes?
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Discuss how González uses wedding culture as a way to explore class.
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How did you respond to Blanca's letters?
- Rumaan Alam said that Olga Dies Dreaming is a book "about a New York that isn’t always celebrated, the one that belongs to immigrant communities; about money, class, and political power; about one vividly-imagined family and the very idea of the American Dream." How is the novel different to other representations of New York that you have read?
Please note, these questions were written and distributed in January, 2022.