Family Matters Book Club Questions

1. The dictionary defines a lie as a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive. Deception is defined as to mislead by a false appearance or statement with the intention of causing harm to another person. So is the Augustus family myth built on lies or deception, or both?
2. Why doesn’t anyone in the family stop covering up the past?
3. When Sam takes over the company, his attitude toward deception changes. Does it change his fundamental character?
4. How does the weight of the family secrets affect each character? Particularly John, Minette, and Elizabeth.
5. What were the significant changes in the United States social climate during World War II? Explain their impact?
6. Using examples from your family or persons you know, illustrate the changes in the USA in the 1950s.
7. Tattletales writer, Sharon Chatsworth, stopped writing her column because the “rapidly changing world was too much for her”. It was 1957; what did she mean?
8. Why did American youth and youth throughout the world rebel – was this a normal social shift? Think about the 1920s and 1930s.
9. John refuses to admit that he is Elizabeth’s birth father. Why does he do this? Do you agree with his decision?
10. John and Sylvia choose to create a sham marriage. Does any good come from this decision? Why do you feel they made this choice?
11. If a modern-day actress played Sylvia on screen, who would it be?