Book Club Guide: The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah
Book: The Lost Vintage
Author: Ann Mah
Genre: Historical Fiction, Food/Wine
Places Featured: Burgundy, France
Find out More about The Lost Vintage
I devoured The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah in just four days—a testament to the immersive world she creates and the layered storytelling she delivers. Mah, a seasoned food and travel writer, brings undeniable richness to her descriptions of the French countryside (and all the delicious food and wine!). Whether you’ve been to France or dream of going, Mah’s writing offers a virtual journey that’s hard to resist.
Kate, a sommelier studying for the notoriously difficult Master of Wine exam, returns to her family’s ancestral vineyard in Burgundy to prepare. But while studying, she stumbles upon a hidden cellar that holds long-buried family secrets no one seems willing to face…
Told in dual timelines, The Lost Vintage alternates between Kate’s present-day story and the diary entries of her long-lost relative Hélène, set during the Nazi occupation of France. The result is a layered tale of family, resistance, and the lingering scars of war.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how it shines a light on a lesser-known part of World War II history—what happened to French citizens who collaborated with the Nazis, and how they were treated after liberation. Through Hélène’s chapters, Mah explores themes of complicity, courage, and survival, raising questions about how we judge the past and who gets to tell its story.
(Note: If you like dual timeline historical fiction about WWII, you’ll also enjoy The Letter from the Island which explores WWII in Crete, Greece.)
That said, the book isn’t perfect. Some characters and plotlines are more developed than others, the pacing can feel uneven, and a few transitions are abrupt. But despite those flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed the read and would absolutely recommend it to fans of historical fiction—especially those who love stories set in France or are intrigued by wine and family secrets. It’s a book that invites you to slow down and savor—with a glass of Pinot Noir in hand and maybe a cheese plate nearby.
Which makes it a perfect pick for a book club, too—with plenty to discuss and fun ways to make the meeting memorable… as memorable as a night in Burgundy.
Suggestion Discussion Questions for The Lost Vintage
- The story is told in two different timelines from two different perspectives. Some people love this style, others find it jarring. Did you prefer Kate’s modern-day story or Hélène’s historical narrative?
- The book explores how the Nazi occupation impacted families both during and after the war. How did you feel about Madame’s actions compared to Hélène’s and her father’s? Could you empathize with one more than the other? Would you have had the same courage?
- How do you think the actions of past generations affect us today? Can you think of examples outside of WWII?
- WWII is a common subject in literature—did you learn anything new from this book? (For example: the treatment of collaborators, the efforts of the resistance, or the slow rise of Nazi influence.)
- What did you think of Kate and Jean-Luc’s relationship? Could you understand why Kate kept her distance?
- Author Ann Mah has said, “For fiction, I can’t imagine two better metaphors than food and wine—they speak to our deepest desires (or disgusts), our most visceral memories.” Do you agree?
- Like Kate and Heather, have you ever found something surprising while cleaning out a space?
- What did you think of Uncle Philippe? Did your opinion of him change as the story progressed?
- Have you ever met a sommelier or winemaker? What did this book teach you about the wine industry?
- Family secrets play a central role in the story. How do you think uncovering the truth about the past impacted Kate’s sense of identity and her connection to her family? Have you ever discovered something about your own family history that changed how you saw things?
Ways to Make Your The Lost Vintage Book Club Meeting Memorable
- Host a blind wine tasting featuring French wines—especially white Burgundies! Have guests vote on their favorites.
- Serve French-inspired hors d’oeuvres like French Cheese Puffs, Crostini with Goat Cheese and Fig Jam, or, if you’re feeling really fancy, you can try Caviar Topped Deviled Eggs.
- Add a wartime twist by including a few humble dishes like plain cabbage soup or boiled potatoes to reflect Hélène’s experience.
- Decorate with wine bottles filled with battery-operated fairy lights—guests can take one home as a party favor!
- Make your own wine glass charms with a DIY kit—it’s a fun activity and a unique souvenir.
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