Secrets of a Charmed Life

Isabel concludes the interview and novel with the assertion that war absolves people of faults, and that one only has so much control over circumstances. What faults do the characters display, and in what ways might war manage or fail to absolve them? Where do the characters exert control over their own lives?

How does Susan Meissner’s decision to divide the narrative into three parts affect the novel’s plot and structure? What is the impact of this choice, and how does it relate to the narration style?

Meissner writes largely historical and Christian fiction. How does Meissner implement religious themes—including God’s omniscience and wisdom, as well as forgiveness—in the novel? What other themes and undertones arise, and why?

How does Charlotte’s story in her 1958 letter to Emmy help develop Charlotte as a character? How does it connect to Emmy’s internal conflict? Are the stories of Charlotte and Rose more similar to or different from those of Emmy and Julia?

What is the significance of London and Thistle House, and how does the significance of each place change over time? How do Emmy’s and Julia’s relationships with these places reflect their circumstances as well as their character arcs?

How does the inclusion of Emmy’s father’s family impact the novel? What does Emmy learn about her family and herself? How do these discoveries affect her both short-term and long-term?

In the novel, Emmy gives up her dream of becoming a dressmaker and instead becomes a painter. What influenced this decision? What impact does this have on the narrative? How does this change the symbolism of the bride sketches and dresses?

Meissner uses first-person narration for Kendra’s perspective but third-person narration for Emmy’s perspective. What was the author’s purpose in making these stylistic choices? What effect do they have, and why?