Available Man (Wolitzer) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
1. There are so many themes in this novel (romantic love, family relationships, loneliness, bereavement, forgiveness, etc.). Which one resonated with you the most?

2. Why do you think there’s such a dearth of “available men” above a certain age? Do you think society places different expectations on women and men as they age?

3. What do you think contributed to the success of Edward and Bee’s marriage? What did you make of Edward’s difficulty coping after Bee’s death?

4. Edward’s family and friends conspire to help him find a new love. But Olga has chosen loneliness rather than being with the wrong person. Is being part of a couple best for everyone?

5. Why do you think Julie felt more  comfortable going to Edward with her dating issues and other problems than to her biological father, Bruce Silver?

6. Do you think Laurel’s mental state absolves her for the way she treated Edward at the end of their first love affair, and for her unsettling persistence when she comes back into his life? Does Laurel deserve the way Edward keeps her at arm’s length?

7. Were you surprised by who Edward ends up falling in love with? Who were you rooting for?

8. When Edward goes to the different members of his family with the news that he’s fallen in love, their reactions are not what he expects. Why do you think that is?

9. Is there anyone in your life with whom you would have liked to set Edward up?

10. How would you feel if someone put up a personal ad for you as Edward’s stepchildren did for him?
(Questions provided courtesy of the author.)

top of page (summary)