1. Lush Lives opens with a poem by Jennifer Tseng, which the author Lyon describes as the “perfect passing poem in this book about reimagining erasures.” Do you agree with this assessment? Elaborate on your response. Furthermore, examine how the author tackles the theme of marginalized communities throughout the novel. Consider the various ways the poem uses the word “queer.” What could be the reason behind this?
2. Explore how racism, disability, and art influence the characters’ lives and shape their experiences.
3. In Lyon’s portrayal of sapphic love, she provides a nuanced and complex perspective on queer relationships. Explore how the novel dismantles and avoids harmful lesbian tropes.
4. Glory’s lofty ideals for Parkie are unattainable and eventually lead to a break in their relationship. Discuss why Glory might hold unrealistic expectations of Parkie.
5. We are introduced to the remarkable Lucille through her brownstone and a series of hidden letters. Lucille has a larger-than-life presence and a significant impact on the other characters and the plot. What is Lucille’s role and power within the story? Why do you think Glory inherited Lucille’s estate instead of another family member?
6. Analyze the differences in the upbringing of Glory and Parkie and how each handles the criticism, “glorified paper-shredding” (pg. 72), and gaslighting, which involves being “unhearing and unreacting” (pg. 205), from their respective parents. What does Lyon suggest about the ways in which family dynamics influence identity?
7. Analyze society’s perception of ambitious women in the novel by exploring Glory’s desperate search for gallery representation and Parkie’s readiness to make unethical decisions to achieve her coveted promotion. Additionally, cite other instances in the story where women exhibit drive and determination.
8. In the novel, Glory receives a promising offer to work with Sarkisian, a commercial galley with a reputation for representing “certain kinds of artists for certain kinds of reasons” (pg. 195). Glory is uncertain about her career path “BIPOC women, queer BIPOC women, are still firmly entrenched at the bottom of the food chain” (pg. 45). Explore how the themes of wealth and the commodification of artists are characterized in the story.
9. In the novel, the brownstone and the auction house, Cuthbert, play an essential role in establishing a sense of place. How do these locations function as characters? How did they impact your perception of the high-stakes art and auction scene in New York City?
10. Consider the author’s message about the relevance of friendship—identify examples in the story where the characters’ connections with others transformed their lives. Take a moment to reflect on your relationships and share what makes them important to you.
11. Compare and contrast the characters of Madeline Cuthbert and Manya Shah. Highlight their similarities and differences. How does Madeline serve as a foil to Manya?
12. Writing letters plays a crucial part in the novel’s plot. The discovery of Lucille’s forgotten letters reveals the hidden secrets of her life, adding insight into a world that the characters only knew from reading. Reflect on the impact the letters have on the story and on your perception of Lucille.
13. Discuss the big reveal of the “Author” and how their rare manuscript affects the story. Were you able to guess who the author was? Have you ever read any of their published works? If so, which one was your favorite?
14. What are the major conflicts in the novel, especially those concerning Glory and Parkie? Their actions have unexpected results that impact all areas of their lives. Why do you think they choose not to confide in each other? Analyze Lyon’s commentary on the consequences of dishonesty and secrecy in the book. Then share how you would have handled each situation and whether you would have acted differently. Lastly, how does Glory’s decision compare to that of Parkie’s?
15. In nineteenth-century literature, the tragic mulatto/a trope is a stereotypical character, usually a woman of lighter complexion who is believed by some to be capable of passing for, or to be read as, white. She leads an unfulfilled, lonely life and is unable to find love. During Dr. Kenningston’s talk with Parkie about the manuscript, she refers to the “Author” as one such character. Are there others in the novel who fit this description or who subvert or complicate it?
16. Based on the story, what can you surmise about Glory’s relationship with her sister Grace? How does her affectionate bond with her brother-in-law Courtland affect her connection with Grace?
17. A notable aspect of Lyon’s novel is its inclusion of historical events such as the Harlem Renaissance—a period of cultural enlightenment for Black Americans during the early twentieth century. Harlem served as the mecca of Black artists and sparked a golden age of literature, music, theater, and art. Before reading Lush Lives, what did you know about this era? What did you think of Lyon’s portrayal of that time? What distinguishes this point in history, and how does reading about it impact your experience of the book?
18. Lyon makes a point to include the names and stories of real historical and contemporary Black and BIPOC artists throughout Lush Lives, spotlighting creatives not necessarily known in the mainstream white art world. Did any of these artists grab your attention? What did you learn about them?
19. What did you think of the ending of the novel? Were you happy with how the last chapter played out for the characters and their stories? What changes would you make if you had the chance to write the ending?
Suggestions for Further Reading:
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
The Partner Track by Helen Wan
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang
Baby Bank by Sarah Robinson
A Life Worth Living by Monica McCallan
Passing by Nella Larsen
Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments by Saidiya Hartman
