- Did you know about Lili Elbe before hearing of The Danish Girl—either the book or the movie? Not many people did. Why do you think her story was forgotten over the years? Why does the story still resonate today?
- The Danish Girl takes place around 1930. How have things changed for the trans community in the years since? In what ways does the world seem the same as it is depicted in the novel?
- The book takes place in Denmark. Do you think the story would be different if it took place in the United States at that time? What do you think the U.S. attitude toward a transgender person would be in that decade?
- This book is based on a true story, yet the author changed many facts. Why did he do that? Do you wish he remained more true to history?
- The Danish Girl is just as much about Greta as it is about Lili/Einar. Why does Ebershoff make her a major character?
- How would the story be different if Greta wanted to transition into being a man?
- Why does the book end where it does? What do you think happens to Lili at the end? How do you think Greta will react when she hears the news?
- Why is the book divided into four parts? What significant plot events occur in each part?