The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post: A Novel

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of gender discrimination.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Have you read other fictionalized biographies of historical persons, such as Elizabeth Graver’s Kantika, which follows the journey of the author’s grandmother from Constantinople to the United States, or Circling the Sun, which tells the story of aviator Beryl Markham? How does this novel’s relationship to history affect your reading of the text? What advantages do you see in telling someone’s life story through fiction rather than nonfiction?

2. Compare and contrast this novel to another of Pataki’s works of historical fiction, such as Finding Margaret Fuller (2024). What commonalities do you see in the author’s craft and focus on feminism? If you have never read Pataki before, are you interested in reading more?

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

1. Marjorie’s involvement in business and politics develops the theme of women’s roles in a male-dominated society, and her work helps to shift society’s attitudes about women’s capabilities. Who are some women who inspire you, especially in your chosen career or favorite academic field, and what do you admire about them?