Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for Red Dog Farm by Nathaniel Ian Miller

1. Early on, Orri reflects: "I was young. It seemed that farming could be simple. It certainly seemed that it could be beautiful." How does his view of farming change after he comes home from university, and why does it shift?
2. Pabbi holds particular views on farming, often to his own detriment. Why does Pabbi insist on farming in his own way? Why does he refuse to allow tourism on the farm?
3. "Pabbi resented springtime even more than winter. Its false promise was a personal insult." Why does Pabbi hate springtime? What does this reveal about how he views and experiences the world?
4. As we follow Orri during this year on the farm, we see nature in all its beauty—and tragedy. What moments were most impactful for you?
5. Pabbi tells Orri that after the Eldfell eruption he thought his father "might've taken some grim satisfaction in having it confirmed that the world was every bit as bad as he'd supposed. He wasn't a parent, he was never made to be a parent." What parts of Pabbi's relationship with his father inform how he interacts with Orri, and how?
6. Why does Pabbi keep Orri from farming when he's young and only allow him to learn when he returns from university?
7. Mamma talks bluntly about Pabbi and Orri's mental health while herself disengaging from the farm, Pabbi, and Orri. In what ways does she offer support for them? In what ways is she herself suffering while holding it back?
8. Mihan and Orri meet online then develop their relationship through messages and phone calls. What draws them together and makes their connection significant?
9. After Mamma leaves and Orri effectively takes over the farm, his calls with Mihan grow difficult and short. How is his daily life impacting their relationship? Are there things that he holds back? How is their relationship tested?
10. Rúna becomes a steadfast friend to Orri, as if they innately understand each other. Yet she seems to truly own herself in a way few other characters do, while Orri struggles to understand his wants. What similarities do they find with each other? What differences make her certain where Orri questions?
11. Many of the characters experience some kind of difference (Pabbi's mental illness, Runa's sexuality, Mamma's Jewish heritage, etc.) that makes them feel isolated from others, including their friends and family. How do the relationships between these characters change over the course of the novel as they learn more about each other's differences?
12. Iceland's landscape becomes almost a character in the novel. Were there particular moments that stood out to you? Why?
13. Rykug is present throughout the novel, often as a helper but also sometimes as a hinderance. What is the significance of naming the farm "Red Dog Farm"?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Little Brown & Company. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.