Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for Thistlemarsh by Moorea Corrigan

1. Thistlemarsh is set just after World War I, when the world was going through rapid change (the fall of the aristocracy, mass industrialization, modern technology, the grief of a world-changing event). What was the most interesting conflict between the old way of life and the new that you noticed?
2. Mouse's brother, Roger, and cousin, Bertie, only appear in flashbacks, leaving a hole in the narrative to mirror their loss in Mouse's life. How does this device contribute to the story? Were there moments when you found yourself missing their perspectives?
3. Mouse's childhood dream was to become a Faerie anthropologist, but she had to put that aside because of the war. What role does sacrifice play in the novel?
4. Mouse makes a Faerie bargain with Thornwood, even though she knows it is a bad idea. What circumstances would push you to make a bargain with a Faerie?
5. What role does healing play in the novel? Is it all right that not everyone can heal?
6. Did you find yourself connecting the Lady Blakeney extracts to other sections of the novel? If so, what do you think those connections represent?
7. Mouse has been an outsider in some form or other for most of her life. She learned early that she needed to be self-reliant. What role did this isolation play in Mouse's decision to make her deal with Thornwood?
8. Throughout Thistlemarsh, we are told that Faeries cannot be trusted and it is in their nature to trick mortals. Do you think that is true? If so, what does it mean when the mortal morality system meets the Faerie one?
9. Mouse and Thornwood begin their relationship as reluctant allies. What were the turning points in their relationship, and why do you think these moments changed their opinions of each other?
10. What role does gardening play in the narrative?
11. The novel begins on a train. Do you think that has any significance to the story? If so, what do you think the train and the train journey represent?

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.