Lady Tremaine Book Club Questions
10 discussion questions for Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser.
October 18, 2026
Spoiler warning: some questions touch on how the book ends. Best read after you've finished it.
Discussion questions
- How does Lady Etheldreda's relationship with her falcon reflect her personality and the challenges she faces?
- What are your impressions of the dynamic between Ethel and her stepdaughter? How does this relationship evolve throughout the story?
- Was Lady Tremaine justified in her decision to pursue invitations for all three daughters to the royal ball, despite the risks involved?
- Discuss the significance of the crumbling manor in the story and how it symbolizes Ethel's life circumstances.
- How does the setting of the royal ball serve as a turning point in the narrative?
- Do you believe Ethel made the right choice in prioritizing the wellbeing of her stepdaughter over the security of an engagement to the future king?
- What are your thoughts on the revelation of the royal family's sordid secret and its impact on Ethel's decisions?
- How did the author’s choice of narrative structure and timeline affect your understanding of Ethel's character and motivations?
- Have you ever faced a situation where you had to choose between personal pride and the wellbeing of someone you care about? How did you handle it?
- What are your thoughts on the ending of the novel? Do you feel it provided a satisfactory resolution to Ethel's struggles?
These questions were drafted with AI help for book clubs using Lapwing.
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