1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• What were your overall impressions of Black Cake? Discuss what you liked most and least about the book.
• Compare this novel to others in the historical fiction genre, particularly family sagas. Did this book particularly remind you of any other novel?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Reflect on any part of Black Cake that evoked a strong emotional response (such as Covey’s father’s involvement in a crime syndicate; her fleeing and having to disconnect from her family and friends; the train accident and Covey’s conveniently being misidentified as Eleanor afterward; or the miraculous chance reunion of Covey—as Eleanor—with Gilbert in London). What made the moment so powerful?
• One of the novel’s themes focuses on how secrets can have a corrosive effect. Discuss how this theme relates to your personal views or experiences.
• Another of the novel’s themes concerns the complexity of identity. Explore how the dynamics of personal identity and family have shifted or evolved in your life.
• Explore connections between your experiences and those of the novel’s characters.

3. Societal and Cultural