Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of illness, death, and antigay bias.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The Great Believers opens with a celebration of life rather than a traditional funeral for Nico. How did this opening scene set the tone for the rest of the novel? What expectations did it create?

2. How does this novel compare to other works about the AIDS crisis, such as Tony Kushner’s Angels in America? What unique perspective does Makkai bring to this historical period?

3. What was your emotional response to the parallel narratives between 1980s Chicago and 2015 Paris? How effectively did these timelines complement each other?

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

1. The novel explores the concept of “chosen family” versus biological family. Have you experienced or witnessed similar dynamics in your own life?

2. Yale and Fiona both struggle with survivor’s guilt in different ways. How do you process feelings of guilt about circumstances beyond your control?

3. Characters often find meaning in objects left behind by loved ones.