An American Beauty: A Novel of the Gilded Age Inspired by the True Story of Arabella Huntington Who Became the Richest Woman in the Country

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• An American Beauty is unequivocally centered on the life of Arabella “Belle” Huntington. What is your impression of Belle? Do you find her likable? How do you feel about the way she relates to the other characters in the book or makes decisions about her life?
• Have you read other novels set in the Gilded Age? What is unique about this novel’s exploration or representation of the era?
• Do you read the novel as a realistic portrayal of the real Arabella Huntington’s life, particularly with respect to her motivations and desires? Where and how do you think Abé may have dramatized the story, and to what effect?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

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

• Belle is represented as a woman who consistently chooses pragmatism over passion. When it comes to matters of the head or the heart, which way do you personally tend to lean? Think of instances in your life when the choice between the two has been tough; which did you choose, and why?
• The novel explores privilege of different kinds, predominantly class and gender. Reflect on your own life in this