1. Jane as Narrator
    Jane is one of Rouda’s most unreliable narrators. How did you respond to being inside her head? Did you ever sympathize with her, or did her perspective disturb you from the start?
  2. The Role of Grief
    How does grief shape Jane’s actions following Mary’s death? Do you see her choices as driven by love, denial, narcissism, or something else entirely?
  3. Family Dynamics
    How does Jane manipulate her family members, especially Betsy and her husband David? What did you make of the way each of them responds to Jane’s behavior?
  4. Southern California Setting
    The story takes place in a world of affluence and image-consciousness. How does the setting amplify Jane’s obsession with appearances and her desire to control the narrative of her life?
  5. Secrets and Lies
    Every family has secrets—but Jane’s are particularly dark. Which revelations shocked you most? Did you anticipate any of the twists?
  6. The Title: “The Favorite Daughter”
    What does the title suggest about Jane’s worldview? How does her perception of her daughters shape the story—and her fate?
  7. Themes of Perfection and Image
    Jane insists on presenting herself and her family as perfect. What commentary does the novel make about perfectionism, narcissism, and societal pressure?
  8. The Ending
    Without giving away spoilers, did you find the ending satisfying? How did it shape your view of Jane and her legacy?