The Lager Queen of Minnesota

The setting of The Lager Queen of Minnesota establishes Midwesterners as people who take pride in a strong work ethic, humbly serving others while expecting little recognition. Although admirable, how are these characteristics limiting?

Diana feels frustrated watching Edith endlessly bail out Diana’s Uncle Eugene. Simultaneously, Diana resents her great-aunt Helen for withholding Edith’s portion of the Calder family inheritance, and she resents her peers’ various handouts and privileges. What message is J. Ryan Stradal attempting to deliver about generational wealth and family financial support?

Challenges with alcoholism and substance abuse are represented by several minor characters (e.g., Clarissa Johnson, Eugene). How does Helen’s campaign for Blotz Special Light reflect a culture of binge drinking? How does the craft beer industry attempt to combat this problem?

What causes Diana’s relationship with Paul and Helen’s relationship with Chesley to fail? Helen criticizes Edith for marrying Stanley young before she has a chance at self-discovery. Does Helen have a point? Why or why not?

What prevents Helen and Edith from reconciling sooner? How might each of their lives be different had they settled their animosity at an earlier age?

After having worked at Blotz Brewing for most of her career, why is Agatha Johnston content to see the brewery fail? Evaluate other commentary on failure, ended relationships, and death in the novel. Edith opens the novel by feeling content with her life, prepared to die if need be, and yet her story has barely begun. What does this say about the characters (like Edith, Helen, and The Grandmas) in their golden years?

What added complications does Diana face as a young mother trying to establish her business? Explore how The Lager Queen of Minnesota highlights the significance of community support for people caring for young children.

Helen, Edith, Diana, and The Grandmas explore how women diversify male-dominated industries. What do the challenges they face and the successes they achieve illustrate about the nature of sexism in industries like brewing?