Synopsis

If your mother was missing, would you tell the police? Even if the most obvious suspect was your father?  This is the dilemma facing the four grown Delaney siblings.

Discussion Questions
 

1.     There is a lot of talk about apples in the novel.  What do you make of all the apple mentions and such? What does the title reference?

2.    Tennis is a huge presence in the Delaney’s life. First, why do you think tennis became the sport of choice for Stan and Joy?

3.    While tennis is pretty much life for Stan and Joy, it’s a different story for the kids. How did growing up with such a focus on the sport impact the children’s view on life?

4.    What did you think at first happened to Joy? Did you believe Stan was guilty? Did your opinion change at all as the novel went on?

5.    Why did Joy and Stan welcome Savannah, a complete stranger, into their home? Was it simply because of loneliness and wanted to be needed? On the same note, why did they let her stay?

6.    The children for the most part are not impressed with Savannah and view her with suspicion. How would you react if your parents let a stranger like that stay with them?

7.     Talk about Harry’s presence throughout the novel and how it impacted each of the main characters. Were you surprised when it turned out Savannah was his sister?

8.    What do you make of Stan and Joy’s marriage? Do you think it is toxic and should they have separated? Or do you believe they do actually love each other?

9.    Why did Joy go on the retreat with Savannah? Did she simply feel sorry for Savannah? Or just needed to get away from it all?

10.Despite all the family drama and the almost arrest of Stan, the Delaney’s experience a pretty happy ending for the most part. What are your thoughts on their storylines as a whole?

11.  So let’s get to the twist of the ending! Just when it seems like everything wrapped up nicely, we learn Savannah’s true, dark secret. Did she murder her mother? What happens next?

Adapted from:  https://bookclubchat.com/books/book-club-questions-for-apples-never-fall-by-liane-moriarty/