Golden Girl

Examine the novel’s portrayal of infidelity and incompatibility in relationships. How do characters’ actions—particularly their relationship to betrayal and emotional disconnection—provide commentary on the complexities of love and trust within romantic partnerships? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answer.

In the novel’s descriptions of Nantucket, it is evident that Vivi loves the island deeply. However, along with portraying the positive qualities of Nantucket, Hilderbrand also offers class and racial critique on different aspects of life there. Research contemporary socioeconomic or racial tensions in Nantucket. How does this enrich Hilderbrand’s exploration of characters, elements, or plot lines that experience these same conflicts?

Golden Girl contains elements of both the “beach read” and murder mystery genres. How does Hilderbrand adhere to these genre conventions? How does she subvert or complicate them? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Evaluate Hilderbrand’s use of foreshadowing to hint at future events related to the novel’s central investigation of Vivi’s death. How does Hilderbrand balance subtle and overt forms of foreshadowing to control the pacing, tone, and tension in the narrative? What effect does this have on the overall suspense of the novel? Are there instances where foreshadowing creates dramatic irony, and if so, how does this impact the reader's understanding of the novel's unfolding events?

While Vivi’s death serves as the emotional catalyst for the narrative, the novel also explores how people continue to impact each other even after they are gone. Beyond Vivi’s three “nudges,” how does Golden Girl display how people remain present in family members’ and friends’ lives after death? Consider the characters’ emotions, actions, and relationships with each other to prompt your discussion.

Examine the role of media in Golden Girl and its relationship to memory. How does news coverage shape public perception of Vivi’s life and death? How do the characters’ recollections of and experiences with Vivi align and conflict with how she is framed publicly posthumously?

Vivi’s Introspection on Life’s Achievements and Regrets ultimately underscores her living a full life with a healthy blend of both. Using textual evidence, how does Hilderbrand characterize other characters’ lives in the novel (e.g., JP, Savannah, Amy, Dennis, and Brett)? Analyze her portrayal of their relationship to achievements and regrets, considering the characters’ similarities and differences.

The characters whose perspectives Hilderbrand features in the novel other than Vivi’s are her three children; Willa’s husband, Rip; the Chief; and Amy. While Vivi, her children, and the Chief are important to the central plot lines of the book, what does Amy’s perspective contribute to the narrative? Considering the importance JP and Savannah held in Vivi’s life, what is the narrative impact of the author excluding their voices? How would the narrative change if their perspectives were featured more prominently?