In Memoriam by Alice Winn

Please find the discussion questions for our May 2024 pick, In Memoriam by Alice Winn below! I’d love to hear what you thought of the book.

• You can the ongoing book club discussions in the Facebook group here.
• You can order your copy of the book here.

IN MEMORIAM: QUESTION 1 

The novel starts off with excerpts from The Preshutian, and newspapers and letters play an important role in the communication of life-or-death information throughout the war. What effect did these have on your reading experience?

IN MEMORIAM: QUESTION 2

What details about the physical effects of war—hunger, fatigue, injury, pain—stood out to you most?

IN MEMORIAM: QUESTION 3

On the front, Gaunt and Ellwood are at risk as soldiers and as lovers. Which risk is greater, death or injury or being found out?

IN MEMORIAM: QUESTION 4

What did you think about Maud and the love triangle between her and Ellwood?

IN MEMORIAM: QUESTION 5

How does Gaunt and Ellwood’s relationship change as the novel goes on?

IN MEMORIAM: QUESTION 6

What could have gone differently—better or worse—in Devi’s escape plan? Where does he get the ingenuity and perseverance to attempt (and fail) to escape ten times? What do you think happens to him after the war?

IN MEMORIAM: QUESTION 7

Did learning about the characters’ real-life inspirations change your impression of them? 

IN MEMORIAM: QUESTION 8 

What do you imagine happens to Gaunt and Ellwood after the novel ends? 

IN MEMORIAM: QUESTION 9

Now that you’ve finished the book, which scene or moment has stuck with you the most? Why?

IN MEMORIAM: QUESTION 10

In a film adaption of the book, who would you want to be cast as Gaunt and Ellwood?