Wishing you could hear Angelika emulate the sultry Marlene Dietrich or impress opera aficionados with her melodious voice? THE DIVA’S DAUGHTER playlist is the next best thing! Listen now to hear the various songs sung or mentioned throughout the novel, along with others that evoke the book’s era and themes. All songs are listed in chronological order so that you can follow along while reading.
Interested in reading THE DIVA’S DAUGHTER with your book club or discussing the story with fellow historical fiction lovers? The following discussion questions are a good starting point. If you’d like to invite Heather to visit your book club in person or virtually, please fill out the contact form.
1. In what ways is Angelika’s story relatable to modern readers and/or reflective of current societal issues? In what ways is it different?
2. What new details about the era, settings or world of opera did you glean while reading this book?
3. Do you think Angelika made the right decision about who to be with in the end? In what ways does her decision differ from or mirror the romantic decisions her mother made?
4. How do you think Angelika’s past experiences with her mother, such as visiting 1920s Paris, have influenced her ideals and views about everything from artistic expression to the rise of the Nazis? Similarly, how does her relationship with Daniel shape her as a singer and person?
5. Who was your favorite secondary character?
6. Which character is the most and/or least similar to you?
7. Which of Angelika’s songs was your favorite? Which modern-day song would you like to hear her sing?
8. How are different colors, symbols or songs used throughout the book to represent the various themes involving love, evil or hope?
9. How does Angelika’s experience with grief reflect or differ from experiences you’ve had in your own life?
10. What was your favorite scene in the book?
11. In what ways have Erich and Kurt’s life experiences and decisions made them different? Do you see any key similarities between the two of them at the beginning of the book? How about at the end?
12. Would you like to read a sequel or series about these characters? Why or why not?
13. What messages do you feel the story conveys about the temptation of compromising one’s values for the opportunity of fame and fortune?
14. Several characters express starkly different views about the purpose of music and artistry. What are your thoughts?
15. If you sing, perform or create art, what are your motivations? Fame, fortune, pride, joy, love or other factors?
Heather Walrath 