WellRead’s May 2020 selection was Writers & Lovers by Lily King. Funny and romantic as well as intelligent, affirming and wise, this is a rare kind of novel that is at once unputdownable and that also elicits a deeply pensive mood. Oh and it completely nails the near impossible task of writing well about writing.
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 Writers & Lovers by Lily King:
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We think King has created an irresistible heroine in Casey. Vulnerable and yet tenacious, we were completely invested in her from the first page. Did you love her as we did? Was she bracingly realistic to you?
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So many people feel the need to mock Casey’s literary ambition in the book. Why do you think creative fulfilment is not regarded as a marker of adult achievement and do you think this attitude is gendered?
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The book evolves from a rumination on grief and loneliness with plenty of cynicism at the ready, into something essentially hopeful. The prospect of unbound happiness becomes a reality. King is too shrewd of a writer for this not to be intentional. What do you think she is saying about the pursuit of happiness?
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Were you Team Silas or Team Oscar or simply Team Casey?
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Casey observes: “Nearly every guy I’ve dated believed they should already be famous, believed that greatness was their destiny and they were already behind schedule.” Anyone else out there had this experience? Discuss!
- We don’t want to give anything away but how about that ending?! What did you make of it?
Please note, these questions were written and distributed in May, 2020.