The Latecomer

Choose one of the Oppenheimer triplets and discuss how they find purpose and meaning in their lives over the course of the novel.

In The Latecomer, the settings play an important part in the meaning of the novel. How do the different places, such as the Brooklyn Heights house, the Red Hook warehouse, and the Martha’s Vineyard cottage, contribute to the meaning of the novel?

Discuss how Hanff Korelitz uses art in the novel. How does her attention to specific art forms, movements, and artists further develop the themes of the novel?

Toward the end of the novel, Johanna tells Phoebe that she is the “missing piece” of the family. What does she mean by this? How does Phoebe change the family, and complete it?

The Latecomers is a novel that follows a long tradition of stories about New York Jewish families from such authors as Philip Roth, Michael Chabon, and J. D. Salinger. Explore the ways in which this novel contributes to this legacy, and how it brings something new.

In The Latecomers, one theme that Hanff Korelitz explores is that of outsiders and insiders. How does she develop this theme, and what conclusions does the text reach?

How does Lewyn’s spiritual journey explore faith throughout the novel? What conclusions does he come to?

Discuss the effect of secrets on the Oppenheimer family. How does secret-keeping inform their individual lives, as well as their family dynamic?