The Librarian's Husband's Book Club discussion

What’s standing out to you as you make your way through The Goldfinch?

Are you drawn more to Theo’s grief and guilt, the vivid settings, or the moral gray areas of the people he meets? Which themes, moments, or characters are staying with you as you read?

Use this space to share your thoughts and reflections as you go — and remember to tag spoilers so everyone can discover the story at their own pace.

I am drawn to Theo’s grief and guilt. The painting becomes a symbol of his grief, guilt, and connection to his mother. (view spoiler)[ the book focuses on Theo’s survivor’s guilt and identity formation. His mother’s death defines him — he carries both devotion and self-blame. (hide spoiler)]

I’m especially drawn to the novel’s exploration of moral ambiguity — how its characters live in the gray space between goodness and wrongdoing. I initially found Boris difficult to like, but his later actions reveal a surprising moral complexity. In the end, he becomes the agent of Theo’s redemption, helping to release him from the guilt that has defined his life.

I am reading The Goldfinch for the second time and am enjoying the book more and realize it was one of the best books I read in 2020.

Dawn, thanks for the positive vibes toward this book. Right now I am just so disappointed in some of the adults. And it just feels super long.

As a person with a low to normal use of harmful substances (maximum 1 cocktail or a glass or 2 of wine a few nights a week, I can't use the softest of drugs because they make me paranoid), I always read these stories of substance abuse and I'm like, that can't be real! They can't be consuming what sounds like at least a full bottle of vodka each, interspersed with cocaine and still be functional. I would have passed out somewhere between the second and third glass and been immobilized for 24 hours. I do like Popper, he's my favourite character.

Jen, I've never done drugs, smoked, or drank alcohol. So, I am always like wow and the boys are so young. I just am in shock over it all.

Good lord, this is a long book!
I am enjoying it a lot but man o’ man is it long. I’m listening at 1.95 speed so nearing double time and stil I feel it has taken forever to get to the 84% complete mark t
That I am I am at!

Tiffany wrote: "Dawn, thanks for the positive vibes toward this book. Right now I am just so disappointed in some of the adults. And it just feels super long."
Thank you Tiffany - I agree the book is a bit long. I initially read it during COVID and now I am re-reading it and listening to the audible. The adults are pretty awful in the book with the exception of Hobie. It is a hard read and I almost gave up reading it because I became so upset . I did not remember all of the heartbreak , change and deception that Theo endures throughout the book.

I did finish. And I really liked the story. Now, my question is, have any of y'all watched the movie?

Tiffany- I did not realize there was a movie. Does it have the same name?

No but I would love to watch the movie. I had no idea either that a movie was made .

Julie wrote: "Good lord, this is a long book!
I am enjoying it a lot but man o’ man is it long. I’m listening at 1.95 speed so nearing double time and stil I feel it has taken forever to get to the 84% complete..."

I felt the same way. Could have been shorter....but I enjoyed it.

Tiffany wrote: "I did finish. And I really liked the story. Now, my question is, have any of y'all watched the movie?"

I also didn't know there was a movie!

Yes, the movie by the same name was done in 2019. Having read the book helped make it feel a little less disjointed as they do flashbacks instead of starting at the beginning of the boom. if you are a prime Amazon then it is on there for free. I actually didnt mind it as a supplement to the book. it has Nicole Kidman as Mrs. Barbour.

Tiffany wrote: "Yes, the movie by the same name was done in 2019. Having read the book helped make it feel a little less disjointed as they do flashbacks instead of starting at the beginning of the boom. if you ar..."

Did you enjoy the movie? I looked it up last night. It didn't seem like it did very well at the box office.