- The author said the story is based on her mother’s life—let’s talk about this. Which parts do you think actually happened? Did knowing that the story was based on a real person impact your perception of the character of Vera at all?
- Why was Naples the right choice for Vera and Edith? What did you think about the descriptions of Naples?
- We first meet Vera when she’s applying to work with Captain Anton Wight. What did you think about that first interaction? When do you think they truly started to fall for each other?
- Let’s talk about Vera and Edith’s friendship and everything they overcame.
- Whenever Vera experiences a bit of happiness, she feels instantly feels guilty as if she doesn’t deserve happiness because she survived but her family didn’t (which we learn they are alive later on). Let’s talk about Vera’s survival guilt.
- What did you think about the romance between Vera and Anton? Did you think there was enough focus on it or did you want more?
- Vera and Anton get engaged but he leaves her because he can’t have children. Let’s talk about this.
- Vera and Edith believe they’re going to get to live in New York City but plans changed and they end up in Caracas. Let’s talk about this change for them.
- What did you think about Ricardo? Did you trust him or did you suspect that he had a darker side?
- While in Caracas, Vera finds out that her parents survived! Let’s talk about this development and how that changed things for Vera.
- What did you think about the end with Vera in Australia with her son and reconnecting with Anton?
- What do you think are some of the key themes of this novel?
The Light After the War by Anita Abriel
More discussion at bookclubchat.com. These questions contain major spoilers.