Get Swan Song book club questions (without spoilers!) here. “Queen of the beach reads” Elin Hilderbrand’s last book offers so much glamour and drama to discuss while you party like the Richardsons. I’ve also included “pink and white party” ideas from the story!
You’ll be fully prepared to explore this book for vacation reading and simultaneously have fun. Print a PDF of the discussion questions below to take with you too!
Quick Summary of Swan Song With Themes
June 2024’s Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand brings an extravagant new couple, the Richardsons, to Nantucket. However, before summer’s end, their flashy multi-million dollar estate burns to the ground, and their personal concierge goes missing.
This swiftly thwarts longtime police chief Ed Kapenash’s retirement plans, who becomes embroiled in the investigation one last time.
It’s a good book club book for because it blends everything her readers crave into one final narrative: characters we know and love, Nantucket references, pop culture references, summer fun, drama, romance, mystery, and “rich people problems.” In addition, she incorporated the most extravagant parties I’ve ever read about: the pink and white party!
Because of Bull’s financial trouble, Leslee burned the house down for insurance money. She goes to prison for arson.
Coco writes a screenplay, The Personal Concierge, based on the summer’s events, which becomes a hit film. Watching it, Leslee recalls Coco jumping off the yacht and realizes the Richardsons lost everything while Coco gained wealth and fame.
Book club readers can discuss themes like wealth disparity, community dynamics, personal transformation, and the impact of newcomers on a tight-knit society.
Watch Elin Hilderbrand discuss this book with CBS Mornings on Youtube:
If you need details of the book, check out my Swan Song book review.
Swan Song Book Club Questions (Without Spoilers)
Discuss the multi-layered significance of the title Swan Song.
If you read them, discuss the storylines leading up to Swan Song in Elin Hilderbrand’s Nantucket novels.
Compare and contrast this novel to the best Elin Hilderbrand novels you’ve read.
Discuss the author’s choice to tie Chief of Police Ed Kapenash’s character arc into this story.
Why do you think the author chose a mysterious fire to be central to this story?
Why did Ed want to be involved in the investigation?
It’s mentioned that “The late great novelist John Gardner famously said that there are only two plots: One, a person goes on a journey, and two, a stranger comes to town.” Do you agree?
Technically, three strangers come to town. Whose story is it?
Name as many Easter eggs from other novels by author Elin Hilderbrand as you can.
What was your favorite Nantucket reference?
What was your favorite pop culture reference?
Why is this popular Mary Oliver quote from the poem “The Summer Day” repeated (including as the title of the final chapter): “Tell me, what is it you plan to do / with your one wild and precious life?”
What do you make of the novel’s many book and author references?
Why did Colleen (Coco) accept the job with the Richardsons?
What was your favorite Richardson party and why?
Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the Richardsons.
Why were the islanders so intrigued by the Richardsons?
Why did Leslee want to get into The Field and Oar Club so badly?
What is the significance of the names 888 and Hedonism?
How did the author incorporate diversity into this novel?
Did you like Coco’s screenplay ideas?
Who did you think started the fire?
What did you think happened to Coco?
Without giving anything away, what would you have done if you were Coco?
Are Bull and Leslee a good couple?
Did the ending surprise you?
Discuss the final sentence.
What do you think is next in the lives of characters such as Sharon Blond?
Did Elin Hilderbrand’s Swan Song live up to the hype (literary and figuratively)?
What is Elin Hilderbrand’s legacy?
Printable PDF Reading Guide of the Discussion Questions
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Book Club Ideas for Swan Song‘s Pink and White Party
Move over, Jay Gatsby! The Richardsons’ pink and white party is the most wild and lavish literary party about which I’ve ever read. That’s why I recommend you use the many details from the book about it for your own book club gathering.
Drinks
- Laurent-Perrier rosé champagne
- the pink lady cocktail (made with Triple Eight vodka)
- tickled pink shots (made with tequila)
- pink lemonade
Food
- tiny chicken and waffles dipped in maple syrup
- vodka-spiked cherry tomatoes rolled in basil salt
- pink shrimp
- pyramids of lobster rolls
- beef tenderloin sandwiches
- platters of fried chicken
- a colorful assortment of fresh salads (these pink recipes may work: pink beet salad | pink lady salad | beet, grapefruit and watermelon radish salad with citrus vinaigrette | watermelon and feta salad)
- Glass canisters filled with pink candy
- a pink chocolate fountain with strawberries for dipping
- cones of pink cotton candy
Clothing and Decor
While you can wear any pink clothing and decorate with any pink party supplies, you may choose a pink and white striped tent awning like the one from the novel, pink orchids like those decorating 888 Pocomo, a pink bandage dress like Leslee’s, a pink seersucker suit like Eddie’s, and/or pink wigs like those handed out at the party.
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Related Elin Hilderbrand Posts
- The Hotel Nantucket Book Club Questions
- Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter in Paradise Series
- Elin Hilderbrand’s Christmas Book Series
- Elin Hilderbrand’s Series of Books
- Authors Similar to Elin Hilderbrand
- The Perfect Couple Review
remember, it’s a good day to read a book. – jules
What perfume did leslee richardson wear
I checked the Kindle edition and it’s Guerlain Double Vanille perfume. Enjoy!!