Dear Zoe

Beard writes the book in an epistolary format, with Tess addressing letters to her younger sister, Zoe, and often addressing her with “you.” Explore Beard’s structural choices: Why structure the novel this way? What does this approach add or enhance? How does the form of the novel reinforce or juxtapose any themes? Consider any moments when Tess directly acknowledges her letter writing, as well as moments when the structure slips, such as in the chapter “Little Dance.”

Explore Tess’s relationship with beauty: How does she define beauty? How are different forms of beauty represented in the book? Does Tess’s relationship to beauty change over the course of the novel? What, if any, are moments of true beauty in the book?

Escapism has a prevalent role in the novel. Compare and contrast the different ways characters use escapism as coping strategies (consider Tess, Elly, David, Nick). What are the limitations of escapism? Is there any benefit?

Dear Zoe is a coming-of-age novel with Tess at its center. How does Tess come of age over the course of the book, and how is her coming of age entangled with her experience of grief? How has she changed by the end of novel? Explore pivotal moments in her development.

Tess and her mother have a close and unique relationship that is tested over the course of the novel. How does Tess’s relationship with her mother compare with her mother’s relationship with her sisters? How does Tess and her mother’s relationship change over the novel? Consider, also, Tess’s role vis-à-vis her younger sisters.

Explore Beard’s use of sound and silence in the novel. What role does sound play in Tess’s relationship to Zoe’s death? Are any sounds significant, either to Zoe’s death or to Tess’s memory of it? Consider music and silence as well.

In the beginning of the novel, Tess is struck by a therapist’s observation that her mother and David “excluded [her] from their grief” (14). Interpret this phrase, using examples from the book.

Tess visits a few different therapists over the course of the book and offers strong opinions about therapy at times. How do these attitudes change? What is the role of therapy in Tess’s life? Does Tess do anything that might be considered therapeutic, even if it’s not traditional therapy?