In Her Defense Book Club Questions
10 discussion questions for In Her Defense by Philippa Malicka.
October 18, 2026
Spoiler warning: some questions touch on how the book ends. Best read after you've finished it.
Discussion questions
- What are your initial impressions of Anna Finbow as a mother and how do they evolve throughout the book?
- What role does Gus Bird play in the trial, and how does her perspective influence the unfolding of events?
- Do you think Jean Guest truly had Mary's best interests at heart, or was she motivated by financial gain?
- How did Mary's experiences at the art school in Rome shape her character and influence the events of the trial?
- What are some pivotal moments in the trial that shifted your perception of the characters involved?
- Was Anna justified in taking legal action against Jean Guest, or do you think there were alternative ways to address her concerns?
- Discuss the significance of the memories Mary recalls during therapy. Do you believe they are genuine, or could they have been influenced by external factors?
- How does Philippa Malicka's narrative structure, alternating between the trial and past events, affect your understanding of the story?
- Can you relate to any of the characters' struggles in your own life, particularly in terms of family dynamics or trust issues?
- What are your thoughts on the ending of the book? Do you feel justice was served for all parties involved?
These questions were drafted with AI help for book clubs using Lapwing.
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