Thank you to Sheila for organising; here are the questions for discussion:
1.Why do you think Rachel Joyce gave this novel the title "Perfect?"
2.Which story did you enjoy reading more, Byron's or Jim's? Why?
3.At what point did it become clear to you how the stories connected?
4.When Byron's mom hits the girl on the bike, what did you expect to happen? Were you surprised by what actually happened as a result?
5.Do you think Diana's friendship with Beverley was realistic?
6. To what extent was Diana's unwinding over the summer the result of the accident and to what extent do you think it had to do with other factors, such as her marriage and depression? Do you think she would have fallen apart either way?
7.How are Byron and James the same and how are they different? Why do you think Byron ended up spending his life in an institution and James became famous and successful? Do you think that if their families were reversed, their fates could have been reversed as well?
8.Why do you think Joyce focuses on the idea of adding two seconds to the year? Do you think this was important to the plot? Was it fleshed out well? What does it represent?
9.What do you think draws Eileen to Jim? What do you think will become of their relationship?
10.What was your impression at the end of the novel? Were you surprised? Do you think it was realistic? Was it hopeful?
11.There are a number of issues raised in the story. The treatment of mental illness is the biggest issue, but Joyce also delves into social class, marriage dynamics and gender roles. Which of these issues made the biggest impression on you? Why?
