The Last Anniversary

The isolation of the island enables the mystery and intrigue of the Munro Baby story. How does this setting also enable the wider theme of Female Solidarity and Secrets?

How does Grace’s postpartum depression interact with the metanarrative of her children’s books? What is the relationship between her internal world and the art she creates?

To what extent to you think the character of Veronika relates to the theme of the Loss of Identity in Relationships? How does the novel position her against this theme, as the only woman character uninterested in men?

To what extent does the novel argue that romantic satisfaction is necessary for women’s self-actualization or emotional fulfillment? Compare and contrast the experiences of two women in this text to make an argument about the necessity of romantic relationships.

Connie’s successful business and public identity are based on a lie. What does the difference between her public and private selves reveal about women’s roles and abilities?

What does Ron’s sudden desire for Margie when he believes she is cheating on him signify about the nature of marriage? What roles do possessiveness and jealousy play in the maintenance of relationships in the novel?

“Weaponized incompetence” and “emotional labor” are terms often used in descriptions of modern heterosexual marriages. Often, husbands are associated with the former and wives with the latter. Do the marriages in this book uphold this social model, or do they complicate these terms?

Consider Margie’s weight loss journey. Does Moriarty suggest that endless attempts at self-improvement are a normal component of the female experience? Why or why not?