1. The prologue thrusts the reader into the middle of a magical story and ends with the line “But that was much later.” How does this set the scene for the story and its characters? What does it tell us about the story’s world?

2. After leaving Wildwood Terrace, how do Iris’ feelings shift after her night with Geoff? Do you think they would have met again had it not been for the angel?

3. While discussing their first meeting at the Kinesis Club, Iris tells Lall, “I took Fortress Geoff pretty much by surprise attack, if you know what I mean” (page 151). Besides what she is insinuating, in what other ways does this ring true?

4. While Iris is initially hesitant to return to Wildwood Terrace and visit Mr. Hale, what do you think compels her to continue returning?

5. How does Iris and Geoff’s relationship grow once he is drafted into the army? Reflect on how Iris’ perspective changes in her letters to him after her initial hesitation to respond.

6. Discuss the parallels between the Order and Grand Master and the fascists during World War II. How do you feel about Mr. Hale being a member of the Order, something Bluey even pointed out?

7. Iris and Lall have opposing motives throughout the story, beginning with their initial conversation on their political views up until the journey to Nonesuch. What are the similarities between the two women?

8. Much of the book takes place during the London Blitz. How does this historical context contribute to the tension of Iris’ mission to find Nonesuch?

9. During one of the nightly raids, Iris reflects on her relationship with Geoff after he visits on leave. She reminds herself, “He is motherless.... He is frightened of the people he loves disappearing” (page 315). In what ways can we see how Geoff’s upbringing affects him and his relationship with Iris?

10. Iris confesses her ambitions to be rich in a conversation with Geoff about the war. She admits, “I do like money.... I want to be a tycoon...and when I am, I want everyone to know that I’m also Iris Hawkins from Watford” (pages 394–95). Do her aspirations surprise you? Recall other parts in the book where we may have seen these ambitions hinted at earlier.

11. Which London do you think Iris feels more at home in, the safe but conventional city of the opening, or the place of fire and ruin we see London becoming?