Emma in the Night Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Forensic Psychology and our BookBrowse Review of Emma in the Night.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. Early in the novel, Cass says, "Our mother knew how to keep us hungry for her." How does this statement set the tone for the rest of the book? How does it affect what you think about Mrs. Martin for the rest of the story? Where can you see this coming into play in the novel?
2. One of the first things we learn about Cass is the origin of her full name, Cassandra. Cassandra was a prophet who could see the future, but no one believed her. What are the parallels between Cass's namesake and her role in the events of the novel?
3. What, if anything, did you know about narcissism before reading Emma in the Night? Was anything you thought completely wrong? What did you learn about this disorder throughout the course of the novel?

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