Printable Book Club Questions for The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan

In your opinion, what is a ‘good’ mother?
We meet Frida at a low point. Let’s first discuss our thoughts as we learn that Frida left Harriet alone for two hours. Why did she do this? What were the events leading up to this catastrophic decision?
Did you feel sorry for Frida? Or did you find yourself judging her decision making when it comes to Harriet? What is your opinion on her as a whole?
Frida’s ex-husband Gust cheated on her while she was pregnant and shortly after Harriet was born, he leaves her for Susanna. Yet, Gust and Susanna try to maintain a somewhat good relationship for the sake of Harriet. How would you have reacted if you were in Frida’s position?
The story is set in a world very similar to ours—except for the government program to turn ‘bad’ parents into ‘good’ parents. Why did the government set up a program like this? Could this happen in our world?
What was the purpose of the school Frida attended?
What type of impact did caring for the robot children have on the mothers? What did you think about Frida’s relationship with Emmanuelle?
Frida is the only mother of Asian descent at the school and she doesn’t feel like she really fits in with anyone. People also make plenty of judgments about Frida and how they expect her to behave. Let’s talk about our thoughts about this.
There’s also a school for fathers—but their treatment is much less harsh compared to the mothers. Why did the fathers have it easier? Generally speaking, what does this say about society’s expectations on mothers compared to fathers?
What was your impression of Frida’s relationship with Tucker?
As you read the novel, did you think that Frida would regain custody of Harriet?
Was the program and the school built with the idea to give these mothers a second chance? Or was the decision already made that they would not get custody back? Do you believe any of the mothers in the story were able to see their children again?
Now let’s talk about the ending! What did you think when you read that Frida took Harriet—knowing she will get caught? What will happen next for Frida?
The last line of the novel is Frida imagining one day telling Harriet everything that happened. She says, “I am a bad mother. But I have learned to be good.” What does she mean by that?