The Last Mrs. Parrish

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How does this novel compare with other narratives concerning domestic abuse, like Big Little Lies, The Great Alone, or Safe Haven? What messages about domestic abuse do these various narratives give, and where does The Last Mrs. Parrish fit among them?
• Part 1 of this book is told through the perspective of Amber, who is portrayed as a terrible and unredeemable person. Did having a central character like this affect your overall reading experience?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Amber is a static character who does not grow. What emotions did she elicit in you? Did you sympathize with her at any point? Did you pity her? Why?
• This is not a novel where revelations of abuse lead to the dissolution of the marriage. Rather, Daphne waits as events escalate and she can successfully jump through several interpersonal and legal loopholes. What emotions did you experience throughout the novel as Daphne slowly plots her escape from Jackson? Were any parts of the novel hard to read?
• Near the end of the novel, Daphne and her children escape Jackson, but Amber—though villainous—and her innocent child are still victims to Jackson’s abuse, until he is arrested.