Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for One Night on the Island by Josie Silver

1. One Night on the Island begins with Cleo in London and Mack in the United States deciding to take some time for themselves to think about their lives and where they want to go next, since life hasn't quite shaped up for either of them the way they thought it would. Have you ever been in a similar situation, where you wanted to take a step back and reevaluate? Did you find it was a good experience? Why or why not?
2. As Cleo and Mack realize that they'll be staying together in Otter Lodge for the foreseeable future, they (begrudgingly) decide to try and make the best of it by setting boundaries so that each can get some of the solitude they seek on Salvation Island. Were they successful in their approach?
3. Sometimes it can be easier for people to open up to strangers about difficult parts of their lives than to people close to them, as Mack and Cleo do throughout the novel. Why do you think they did? Have you ever had this experience?
4. Cleo's mission on Salvation Island is to "self-couple" and provide a fresh perspective for her dating column, and she sets about accomplishing this task by preparing a ceremony to "marry herself" at the end of her stay. What did you think of her personal journey while she was on the island? Was she successful in finding self-love and acceptance? Why or why not?
5. Mack, on the other hand, is on Salvation Island to give his estranged wife the space she needs while trying to come to terms with the state of their marriage himself. How did you feel about Mack's situation? Did he make the right choice in coming to the island? Why or why not?
6. While on Salvation Island, both Cleo and Mack are surprised to find themselves truly taken by the islanders and their way of life, especially because of the sharp contrast to their lives in large, bustling cities. Have you ever visited a place or met people that gave you a newfound appreciation for a way of living other than your own? What was that experience like? Did it change your perspective or priorities in any way?
7. As a result of their respective stays on the island, both Cleo and Mack decide to make rather large changes in their lives. What did you think of those big decisions they made? Would you have done the same in their positions? Why or why not?
8. What did you think of the novel's somewhat unconventional ending?

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