The Midnight Feast

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How does this novel compare to Lucy Foley’s other works, such as The Guest List and The Paris Apartment? Did you find this mystery more or less compelling?
• What is the effect of the novel’s 15-year time jump? Which of the two sections of the novel did you find most interesting? Why?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

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

• The novel contains explicit depictions of sexual assault and gendered violence. Did you find these scenes difficult to read? Do you feel they are necessary to the novel? Why or why not?
• Which of the minor characters—such as Michelle, Owen, and Delilah—did you find most compelling? What do you find interesting about them?
• If you could go back in time and resolve an injustice from your youth or childhood, what would it be? What would justice look like for you?
• Bella’s working-class background causes her to feel out of place among Francesca and her wealthy family. Have you ever felt out of place in a similar way? How did you respond?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

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

• The novel’s depiction of class is specific to English culture. How might the novel be different if it were set in the United States? Would the same tension exist in a country without such clearly delineated social classes?
• The shadowy environmental group known as the Birds serves as a secondary antagonist in the novel. How does this reflect environmental anxiety in the modern world?
• How does the novel reflect the influence of other novels in the country house mystery genre, such as And Then There Were None?

4. Literary Analysis

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

• How does Bella’s characterization change across the two sections of the book? How does the novel explain her changes in personality and behavior after the 15-year age gap?
• How does the Manor act as a symbol of social class in the United Kingdom? How does the novel’s ending impact this symbol?
• How does inheriting the Manor change Bella’s personality?
• How does Bella’s exposure to sexual assault at a young age affect her attitude toward romantic relationships?

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• If you were producing an adaptation of this novel, who would you cast in the roles of Bella and Francesca? Would you use the same actresses in both timelines?
• Imagine a sequel following Owen as he establishes the new Tome community center on the site of the old Manor. What challenges might he face? How might his character change following his wife’s death?

Need more inspiration for your next meeting? Browse all of our Book Club Resources.