Real Americans

Discuss the theme of Class and Belonging. Which of the characters can be said to be shaped by their class positions, and how does class impact their personal relationships?

Discuss May’s characterization. What motivates her as a child, as an adult, and as an elderly woman? How does she grow and evolve as a character throughout the novel?

What broader argument about gender, professionalism, and the sciences might this novel be making? Why might the author have chosen a female scientist as one of her three narrators?

How does this novel depict the difficulties of maintaining strong family connections? How does immigration impact family bonds in this novel? Does the author ultimately have a hopeful or fearful outlook toward the possibility of reconciliation in fractured families?

Wealth is one of the novel’s primary focal points. Pick one of the symbols or motifs that the author uses to help interrogate affluence and discuss how it speaks to the theme of Class and Belonging.

Is this author’s discussion of gene editing grounded in real science? Why might the author have chosen genetic research to raise questions about race and equality in the United States?

Discuss Matthew’s characterization. How is he shown to be uncomfortable with wealth and family? Do you think that Matthew is as much of an outsider as May, Lily, and Nick? Why or why not?

Discuss Nick’s relationships. In what ways do his familial bonds and friendships appear fractured? In what ways does he seem to create and maintain meaningful connections?