The Color Line Book Club Questions

Discussion questions

1. How does the novel contrast the challenges faced by Lafanu Brown in the 19th century with those encountered by the art curator in 2019?
2. What does Lafanu Brown's decision to become an artist in the 19th century reveal about her character and determination?
3. In what ways do Lafanu Brown's experiences of intolerance and violence shape her life and art?
4. What significance does the art exhibition hold for the curator, especially in the context of her personal life and heritage?
5. How does the curator's relationship with her younger cousin influence her perspective on the art and life of Lafanu Brown?
6. What role does the city of Rome play in shaping the experiences of both Lafanu Brown and the curator?
7. Do you think Lafanu Brown's decision to share her difficult past with her fiancé was necessary for her personal journey? Why or why not?
8. How does Scego's narrative structure, intertwining the lives of two women from different centuries, impact your understanding of their stories?
9. Can you relate to the theme of being an outsider in your own life, and how does that compare to the experiences of the characters?
10. Do you find the ending of the novel satisfying in terms of resolving the curator's obsession with Lafanu Brown's life, and why?