The Ghostwriter

1. Was Olivia's decision to write her father's memoir the right choice, considering it brought her back to old pain?

2. Was Vincent a worse father for staying away or for being present in a damaging way?

3. Olivia lives in the shadow of her father who is skilled at telling stories. How does Vincent see Olivia-as a real daughter or just a character in his ongoing story?

4. Olivia is dealing with a lot of real-world stress at the start of the book-financial ruin, career trouble, and a complicated relationship with her dad. Did you find her struggles relatable, or did her secrets make it hard to connect with her?

5. Is Vincent more sympathetic as an unreliable father, or more frustrating because he hides behind his stories? Do you feel Olivia should have had more sympathy for him?

6. In 1975, Poppy, a vocal women's rights advocate, uses her Super 8 camera to document household dynamics and uncover secrets. Is her her quest for the truth brave, naive, or a blend of both?

7. Lydia knows important details about the family's history and the tragic fire, but she chooses to stay silent for years. Did her silence cause more harm than the truth would have?

8. Did Mr. Stewart seem believable as a trusted teacher, or did his charm make him even more disturbing?

9. The Ghostwriter uses twists, like secret videotapes, to unveil the truth. Which twist most changed your understanding of the story and your perception of the real villain? Were they entirely unexpected?

10. As the truth about the family tragedy comes to light, did you find yourself switching sides or changing your loyalty toward any character?

11. We've all had times where we're torn between family loyalty and doing what's right for ourselves. How did you feel about Olivia's struggle to find that balance?