Let's Get the Discussion Going for The Museum of Failures
Thrity Umrigar’s gorgeous and gut-wrenching novel, The Museum of Failures, takes us on a journey with its protagonist, Remy Wadia, from his home in America to his childhood home, in present-day Mumbai. He’s arrived to adopt a child, but finds himself faced with so much of his own history, filled with discomfort and mystery. As you wrap up the novel — don’t speed ahead, as spoilers abound! — kick off your conversation or contemplation with these questions. Be sure to check out the full Page & Pairing reading guide when you’re done!
The Museum of Failures
by Thrity Umrigar
1. Remy has so many advantages in his life in America. Why does he still feel divided about living there?
2. What do you think of Cyrus's decision? Do you understand it, or do you think it was selfish? Would you have been able to forgive a parent who made such a decision? As a parent, what kinds of information have you kept from your children and how does that make you feel?
3. How do you think Remy's ignorance of his true past affected his personality?
4. What do you think would have happened had Shirin told Remy the truth? Why didn't she? How do you feel about her choice? How did your feelings for her change as you heard her version of their past?
5. What do you think of Remy's colleague greeting him daily with "namaste" in a mock Indian accent and how Remy reacts to that? Remy struggles to find the right word for this daily provocation. It's not exactly racism, or is it?
6. How did you feel about Remy's school friends? What does he have in common with them, and is it enough?
7. How does Remy think of Bombay as a Museum of Failures? How does his past color his view?
8. How do you feel about Remy's motivations for the adoption? Is Kathy right in pressing him to adopt a child from India?
9. Both of Remy's parents advise him to not look back when he leaves India. Why? Is this good advice, given everything that he's learned?
10. If you could add one more chapter, what would happen?