The Things We Leave Unfinished

1. General Impressions 

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• The Things We Leave Unfinished focuses on two central love stories: Georgia and Noah, and Scarlettand& Jameson. What was the effect of reading about two couples rather than one? Did you find one of the love stories more engaging than the other?
• Do you typically like or dislike books and movies that can be classified as “romance”? To what extent do you consider The Things We Leave Unfinished to be an example of the romance genre? Does it subvert any of the conventions associated with this genre?
• The novel combines one present-day narrative with a narrative set in the past. Do you typically prefer works of historical fiction or novels set in the present day? What are the pros and cons of combining the two different settings?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection 

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

• The plot of The Things We Leave Unfinished revolves around Georgia gradually learning family secrets and new information about her great-grandmother. Have you ever learned information about your family history that surprised you? Why do you think that families sometimes keep secrets?
• Scarlett writes a manuscript based on events from her own life. If you were going to write a work of fiction, would you include events or experiences from your own life? Why or why not?
• Noah and Georgia often experience conflicts and disagreement despite their attraction to one another. Have you ever experienced or observed a relationship transitioning from conflict to attraction? Do you believe that “opposites attract”?
• Georgia returns to her hometown and the comfort of her great-grandmother’s house while going through a difficult life transition, including a divorce. If you encountered a crisis in your own life, what people and locations would you seek out? What do you find comforting about these places?
• Although Georgia studies at art school and loves making glass sculptures, she abandons her artistic practice during her marriage. Why do you think it can be difficult for people (especially women) to remain connected to their hobbies and passions throughout their lives?

3. Societal and Cultural Context 

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• Constance is in an abusive marriage, and this eventually drives her to adopt the identity of her deceased sister. Why can it be hard for survivors to escape from abusive relationships? What kinds of support could make it easier for someone to safely exit such a relationship?
• How does the novel depict class? How does the upper-class position of their family shape the lives of Scarlett and Constance?

4. Literary Analysis 

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• How does the relationship between Noah and Georgia evolve after their first meeting? What are some key moments that impact the trust and bond between the two of them? What evidence suggests that the two characters are compatible?
• How does the novel depict themes of motherhood and maternal love? What is the significance of the difficult relationship between Georgia and her mother, Ava? How does Scarlett’s love for her son, William, drive the decisions she makes?
• Roses are ubiquitous symbols of love and romance in Western cultures. How does the novel tailor this symbolism to the particular relationships it depicts?
• Did you anticipate the main plot twist (in which it is revealed that Scarlett died and Constance assumed her sister’s identity)? Do you think that this plot twist contributed to or diminished your enjoyment of the novel? In retrospect, what elements foreshadow this revelation?

5. Creative Engagement 

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Noah and Georgia debate whether the unfinished novel describing Jameson and Scarlett’s relationship should have a happy or sad ending. Choose a novel or film that you enjoy and come up with an alternative ending for it. Discuss which of the two endings you prefer, and why. You could also consider researching a novel where the author was challenged about the ending and/or changed it significantly; this resource provides a few options to consider. 
• Some famous authors, including Jane Austen, Edith Wharton, and Charles Dickens, died with an unfinished novel in progress. Research an unfinished novel and whether scholars or other writers have proposed possible endings for that text. If you were given the assignment of completing an unfinished novel, what factors would you take into consideration? What would you strive to achieve?

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