Get Swan Song book club questions 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 its plot and have fun simultaneously. Print a PDF of the discussion questions below to take with you as well!
Swan Song Book Club Questions (Without Spoilers)
If you need details of the book, check out my Swan Song book review.
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 Elin Hilderbrand novels 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 these characters?
Did Elin Hilderbrand’s Swan Song live up to the hype (literary and figuratively)?
What is Elin Hilderbrand’s legacy?
Printable PDF 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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About Elin Hilderbrand and Swan Song
about
A Pennsylvania native, Elin Hilderbrand, is a Nantucket-based American author known for her good beach reads, novellas, and short stories. Her captivating novels blend romance, high-class drama, and picturesque Nantucket settings.
Elin Hilderbrand graduated from Johns Hopkins University and pursued her graduate studies at the famed University of Iowa’s Writers’ Workshop.
She debuted with The Beach Club in 2000 and has since published over 25 novels, amidst personal challenges, including a battle with breast cancer.
Elin Hilderbrand announced plans to retire in 2024 after the release of her last book, Swan Song, in which a rich new couple comes to town and, after a string of lavish parties, their mansion mysteriously burns down.
However, she signed a deal to co-write two books with her daughter, Shelby Cunningham, to be published in 2024 and 2025.
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
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!!