There There

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of racism, gender discrimination, and graphic violence.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did you engage with the book’s many characters and converging storylines? Did you have a favorite character? What did you like about them?

2. Discuss how the Prologue sets the tone for the novel’s larger narrative. Did you find it effective in preparing you for what happens throughout the story?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Consider the groups or communities you belong to. What brings those groups together? Do you feel your individual concerns resonate with the concerns of the collective? Or do those concerns alienate you from the community?

2. What are your perspectives on the history of colonialist violence? Do you think colonialism persists today, even in subtle, informal ways? How does this novel affect your view of colonialism?

3. Every character in the novel has experienced some form of trauma. How did you respond to their stories? Did you find them challenging to engage with, and if so, do you feel you nevertheless got something out of them?