Thinking about reading A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke for your book club? I really enjoyed this book – it has a fascinating premise and is perfect for armchair travel. And of course, it would make for some interesting discussions! Below, I’m sharing my thoughts on the book, as well as some discussion-sparking book club questions tailored to this story.
**I read an advanced copy of this book (pictured above) from the publisher, Avid Reader Press. All opinions are my own.
What is A Short Walk Through a Wide World about?
This historical fantasy/magical realism adventure story is about a young woman named Aubry who has a peculiar condition: she is unable to stay in one place for more than a few days.
She must continuously travel the globe, always finding somewhere new to stay. And of course, she meets interesting people along the way.
Over time, she starts to realize there might be something even more unusual about the world she inhabits.
Looking for more recommendations? Here are my most-anticipated fantasy books of 2024, and my list of must-read 2024 book club books!
Publication date: April 2nd, 2024
My Thoughts
This unique novel is:
- historical fiction crossed with magical realism
- incredibly imaginative
- adventurous (perfect for lovers of armchair travel)
- meandering (but in a good way – I enjoyed the journey)
- beautifully written
It definitely has some similar vibes as The Midnight Library and The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, so if you enjoyed those books (like I did), consider giving this one a try!
This is the type of book that’s best savored as you go along, not raced through to see what happens at the end. If you’re someone who needs concrete answers to everything, this may not be the book for you, but otherwise I definitely recommend it.
A Short Walk Through a Wide World Book Club Questions
It’s discussion time! Here are some book club discussion questions to get the conversation flowing.
Not in a book club yet? Here are my best tips for how to start a book club you’ll love!
- Had you heard anything about this book before your book club chose to read it?
- Did you read this book in print or listen to it on audio? Which do you think would work best for this story?
- How did you feel about the main character (Aubry Tourvel)? Did you relate to her in any way?
- How would you feel if you had the same condition as Aubry? How would you react if you were in her shoes?
- If you were Aubry, where would you travel first? Would you save a particular destination for later in life, if you could?
- Which main themes do you think are present in this story?
- Of all the places Aubry traveled, which was your favorite? Why?
- Who was your favorite character that Aubry met? Why?
- Discuss Aubry’s different relationships with the people she met during her travels/in her lifetime. Who do you think had the biggest impact on her?
- What were your thoughts on the ending? What is your theory about the puzzle ball/hidden libraries/etc.?
- In the end, did you feel that Aubry’s condition was more of a blessing or a curse?
- What would you rate this book? Would you recommend it to a friend? What were your favorite (or least favorite) things about it?
- Did this book remind you of any other books you’ve read? How?
- If this book was adapted into a movie or show, who would you cast to play Aubry (and any other characters who stood out to you)?
That’s it – I hope you enjoy reading and discussing this book! 🙂