Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas

1. This book takes place in Mexico during 1765. Did anything take you by surprise in this time period and setting?
2. Alba goes through a lot when she reaches the mines and finds herself relying on Elías. Did you find him trustworthy? Was there anyone else you thought she could have confided in?
3. Having read the story, why do you think the quote by José de Acosta was included at the beginning of the book?
4. Who did you envision the speaker to be at the beginning of the story? Were you surprised when you got to the end and found out who it was?
5. What did you think was the role of the Inquisition and Bartolomé in the book?
6. Elías finds himself helping Alba. What do you believe he got out of helping her?
7. What did you make of Alba's possession? Do you feel it was something she needed to go through? Why or why not?
8. The demon in this story thirsts for priests' blood. Why do you think that is?
9. Do the horrors in this book connect to the time period being portrayed? How so?
10. Silver and mercury play a big part in the story. What do you suppose these elements symbolize?

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