Magic Hour: A Novel

Julia’s relationship with Alice is unconventional. Is this particular relationship necessary for Alice to heal? Is Julia’s behavior unprofessional? Why or why not?

Why does Julia not believe that George is innocent? Does Julia have a reason to distrust him? Are George’s intentions with finding Alice honorable? Why or why not?

Describe the role of romance in the novel. How does Cal and Ellie’s relationship grow? What causes Ellie to see Cal romantically? How is their relationship similar to or different from Max and Julia’s relationship? Provide textual examples.

Alice’s name comes from Alice in Wonderland (1865). What does this allusion bring to the story? Are other characters in Magic Hour like other characters in Lewis Carroll’s novel? Do the two share themes?

How does Julia recover from her guilt over Amber’s choices? Do you think that the victim’s parents should blame Julia? Why or why not?

Describe the role of grief in the novel. How does Max cope with his grief over Danny’s death? How are these coping mechanisms different than Julia’s? How does Alice cope with Zoë’s death? Provide specific examples.

Hannah describes Alice as having two versions of herself at several points in the narrative. How does this description of Alice relate to The Search for Identity and Belonging? Does Alice learn to integrate these two versions of herself, or do they remain separate? Provide textual support.

What role does George play in the narrative? Is he a sympathetic character? Why or why not?