“Good Company” by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney is a novel about two couples who have been friends for decades, and how their lives and relationships are tested by a surprising discovery. The novel explores the themes of marriage, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and identity, as well as the role of art and entertainment in shaping our lives.

Flora and Julian are married actors who run a small theater company called Good Company. They have a daughter, Ruby, who is about to leave for college. Margot and David are also married actors, but Margot has become a famous TV star, while David works as a pediatric surgeon. They have a son, Zack, who is Ruby’s best friend. Flora and Margot have been best friends since they met at drama school in New York, and they have shared many joys and sorrows over the years.

One day, Flora finds an envelope containing Julian’s wedding ring, which he claimed he lost years ago. This leads her to question everything she thought she knew about her husband and their marriage. She also learns that Margot knew about Julian’s secret and that she has been keeping secrets of her own. As the four friends face the consequences of their actions and choices, they have to decide what matters most to them, and what kind of people they want to be.

Discussion questions:

• How does the novel use the alternating perspectives of Flora, Julian, Margot, and David to reveal different aspects of their characters and relationships? Whose perspective did you find most compelling or relatable, and why?
• How does the novel portray the contrast between the worlds of theater and television and the different challenges and opportunities they offer to the actors? How do Flora and Julian cope with their lack of fame and fortune, compared to Margot and David? How do Margot and David deal with the pressures and expectations of being celebrities?
• How does the novel explore the theme of identity, and how it is shaped by our roles, careers, and relationships? How do the characters change or reinvent themselves over time, and what are the reasons and consequences of their transformations?
• How does the novel examine the theme of loyalty, and how it is tested by secrets, lies, and betrayals? How do the characters justify their actions, and how do they cope with the guilt and regret? How do they forgive themselves and each other, or do they?
• How does the novel critique the concept of the “cool girl” and the pressure to conform to social norms and expectations? How do Flora and Margot embody or resist this idea, and how does it affect their self-esteem and happiness?

Time: 11:00 am — 12:00 pm EST

Free!