The Latecomer

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Johanna’s attempts to create the perfect family are driven by her idealized vision of what family should be. Have you ever struggled with letting go of an ideal or expectation in favor of accepting reality? How did that experience shape your relationships? 

2. The triplets each seek a sense of belonging in different ways, often outside their family. Could you relate to this experience of feeling like an outsider within one’s own family or community? What do you find helps you feel connected to others? 

3. Secrets play a significant role in the Oppenheimer family, often causing pain and division. How do you feel about the role of honesty in families or close relationships? Are there situations where keeping secrets might be necessary, or is openness always the best policy? 

4. Phoebe shows persistence and compassion in her efforts to reconnect with her family. Do you know someone who acts as a “peacemaker” in your family or social circle? What impact do they have on the dynamics of the group?

5. The novel explores the idea that belonging often stems from self-acceptance. Does this ring true to you? Why or why not?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Abstract Expressionism plays a significant role in Salo’s personal journey, symbolizing his break from tradition and his buried emotional life. How does the inclusion of real-life artists like Cy Twombly enhance your understanding of Salo’s character? How does art serve as a form of personal expression or connection in the novel? Are there artistic movements today that embrace a similar ethos?

2. The Outsider Art Fair is a pivotal moment for Salo and Stella’s relationship, highlighting their shared passion for art and their outsider perspectives. How does the novel’s exploration of art comment on broader societal attitudes toward marginalized voices and unconventional creativity? Where do you see this commentary being relevant in your own cultural/societal context?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The motif of art plays a central role in shaping the Oppenheimer family’s dynamics and individual identities. How does art function as both a source of connection and division? What does each family member’s relationship with art reveal about their character?

2. The novel draws parallels between Salo’s connection to modern art and Sally’s discovery of Shaker furniture. How do their respective reactions to these forms of art reflect their personal journeys and struggles for identity?

3. The Latecomer juxtaposes real-world cultural touchstones like Abstract Expressionism, Outsider Art, and September 11. How do these elements deepen the emotional stakes of the story? What role does this blending of fiction and history play in connecting the Oppenheimers’ personal experiences to broader societal shifts? 

4. The novel explores the relationship between tradition and individuality, especially through Salo’s and Sally’s artistic passions. How does the contrast between the family’s traditional values and the personal discoveries of its members shape the story’s thematic depth?

5. Phoebe plays a unique role as the “latecomer” who ultimately reconciles the family. How does her position as both an outsider and an insider affect the narrative? How might the story have changed if told primarily from her perspective?