Something Red Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Thirteenth-century England and our BookBrowse Review of Something Red.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

Introduction

A haunting blend of history, fantasy, and suspense, Something Red takes readers deep into the dark woods of thirteenth-century England, where something vicious is lurking. Hob is a boy on the verge of manhood, making his way through the woods with a small troupe: Molly, a middle-aged Irishwoman highly respected for her healing powers; Jack, her strong and silent partner; and Nemain, Molly's granddaughter. Molly leads this adopted family and their wagons across the Pennines mountain range, but they soon come upon evidence of unmistakable evil. What kind of beast could slash and tear so gruesomely at human flesh and take out an entire inn full of robust men and the fiercest guard dogs? With fear rising in their hearts and the heavy snow beginning to fall, there is no more time to run or hide - the evil must be conquered, and in the process, long-held secrets revealed. 

Topics & Questions for Discussion 

1. The setting plays such an important part in Something Red. Discuss the ways in which time and place affect the action and plot twists in the narrative. 
   
2. Molly and Nemain seem to have some sort of sixth sense. What are some examples of when they use this sense to determine their next move? 
3. Throughout the story, Hob's feelings about women are continually shifting. Compare his feelings towards Margery and Nemain. How do his feelings for Nemain change and evolve? Do you think the outcome of Something Red would have been different if Margery were still in the picture? 

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