INTRODUCTION

The latest historical novel from New York Times bestselling author Emma Donoghue is inspired by the true story of an infamous 1895 disaster at the Paris Montparnasse train station.

TOPICS & QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1. The epigraph reads: “The occasional disaster, what does it matter? Let’s take necessary evils in our stride—every great invention costs a few lives!” How does this set up the novel and what is to come for the passengers? After reading the novel, do you think lives lost to great inventions are worth the cost?

2. This book was inspired by an iconic photograph. If you were to write a historical fiction novel, what photograph would you base it on and why?

3. How many of you were aware of the Montparnasse Train Crash before reading the book? How did that knowledge of the book’s ending affect your reading experience? For those who did not know about the train crash, were you able to predict at any point how the story would end?

4. One of the most interesting aspects of this book is the wide range of characters whose lives we get a peek into. Which of these characters did you love or resonate with the most and why?

5. What are some of the moral dilemmas that occur throughout the book? How do the characters handle these dilemmas, and do you approve of their choices?

6. In Room, The Pull of the Stars, and The Wonder, Emma captures audiences in an enclosed space—a hospital room or a vigil in a small village—and takes readers on an unexpected journey. What do you think the enclosed setting adds to (or removes from) the story?

7. Mado deliberates on her decision throughout much of the story. What do you think tipped her over the edge and influenced the choice she made?

8. The train ends up being one of the most fascinating characters in the book. What did you think about her (and her desire to be famous)?

9. Henry Ossawa Tanner, one of the first African American artists to gain international acclaim, is part of Paris Express’ grand cast. Henry, in real life and as depicted in the novel, is one of many African American artists who immigrated to Paris to escape American racism—see Josephine Baker, James Baldwin, Nina Simone, etc. France was at the peak of its colonial exploits during this time—another point depicted in the novel. What do you think made France a safe haven for some marginalized people and not others?

10. Emma is known for being brilliant at historical research. What did you learn reading this book that surprised or amazed you?

ENHANCE YOUR BOOK CLUB

1. Host a French inspired book club meeting with French cuisine and wine.

2. Watch Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché, a documentary about the Mother of Cinema featured in the book.

3. Play a train inspired game like Train to Ride in addition to discussing the book with your book club group.