- How about we start with the narrative? It’s unique in the sense that it begins first-person and then goes to third-person for three other characters. Were you able to keep track of all the characters or did you get confused? Did you feel that the characters were distinct enough?
- Those with children, have you ever been involved with a mothers group like the May Mothers? What are the similarities and differences?
- There’s plenty of real-life descriptions of motherhood. Do they ring true to you? Why or why not?
- The night Midas goes missing is chaos thanks to a loud venue and plenty of alcohol. How did the description of the night throw the reader off? Are there any hints of Scarlett being there?
- Once we find out Midas is gone, did you have any assumptions of what happened to him? Did that change throughout the story?
- Of the three women, Colette, Francie and Nell, which one do you like the best? The least?
- We find out that Winnie has been hiding secrets and she’s actually a well-off former actress. Why do you think Winnie was so secretive with the women?
- Nell’s backstory is very similar to Monica Lewinksy. How did that traumatic past shape who Nell became? Are you surprised the author made that story choice?
- Francie has a lot of dark secrets too. But why was she so obsessed with finding Midas?
- Token was a wild card. And it turns out he has a past with Winnie. What did you think about his role in the story?
- Did you suspect Scarlett at any point in the book? There’s almost a sympathetic tone about her at the end. Let’s talk about her character and background.
- What do you think the title means within context of this book? Which character was most obsessed with perfection?
- What are your thoughts about the ending?
The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy
More discussion at bookclubchat.com. These questions contain major spoilers.