Eliza Starts a Rumor
Jane L. Rosen
Discussion Questions
The four main characters in Eliza Starts a Rumor are quite different from one another. Which of the women did you connect with the most?
Do you belong to any online women’s groups? What have they given you that you couldn’t find elsewhere? Have you ever posted or commented on something online that you regret?
Jackie freaks out when his daughter, Jana, wants to use a tampon. How did your mother handle this? Was it different from how you would?
Like Eliza, many of us stayed home for a long period of time, but due to COVID-19. What was your quarantine experience like? Do you think the accessibility of the Internet and the aftereffects of COVID-19 will spur more agoraphobia in the world?
This book celebrates the value of community and friendship among women. In what ways do you feel the opportunities to create community have changed over the past ten years? Do you find it easier or harder to sustain friendships?
Do you think Eliza’s actions of posting the rumor came in part because of her feelings of inadequacy surrounding becoming an empty nester? If you have children, do you worry about that time in your life, whether it’s in front of you or behind you?
Do you agree with Alison’s life choices? Why or why not?
Did you find how Olivia went about catching Spencer cheating to be satisfying? Do you think you would have had the strength, courage, and patience to wait it out like she did?
When Olivia’s crisis comes to a head, Amanda points out how she still has time for a do-over. How do you think the current Me Too environment is affecting women’s choices and actions today? Do you think the way Eliza and Amanda originally dealt with their adversities would be different in the current environment?
Do you think that Carson was sincere in his remorse or do you think his apology was a publicity stunt? Do you think men like him are capable of change?
Near the end of the book Eliza’s mother, Birdie, guiltily apologizes for never calling her pretty as a child. Do you understand her guilt? Do you think it’s valid?
Were you surprised by the ending of the book? Were you satisfied with each of the women’s transformations and trajectories?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jane L. Rosen is an author and screenwriter whose critically acclaimed first novel, Nine Women, One Dress, has been translated into ten languages. She lives in New York City and Fire Island with her husband and three daughters.
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Eliza Starts a Rumor Page 27