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1. Family relationships, particularly the bond
between sisters, feature heavily in Into the Water. How do you
think Lena is affected by Nel and Jules’s estrangement? How does it
influence her friendship with Katie?
2. Jules and Nel’s estrangement hinges on a misremembering of an event
in their past. Are there any childhood or teenage memories you have that
are no longer as clear when you look back now? How has this novel made
you view your past, and the way it reflects upon your present?
3. Within the novel there are several inappropriate relationships — for
example, Katie and Mark; Sean and Nel; Helen and Patrick. How does the
depiction of the relationships between these characters affect your
interpretation of their behavior and actions?
4. "Beckford is not a suicide spot. Beckford is a place to get rid of
troublesome women." Discuss the gender dynamic in Into the Water.
How much power does each of the women in the novel hold? What are the
different types of power they hold?
5. Into the Water contains several different voices and
perspectives. How did this structure affect your reading of the novel?
6. How do the epigraphs relate to the novel? Does one speak to you more
than another? If so, why?
7. The structure of the novel means that we get tremendous insight into
our suspects throughout. Who did you originally think was responsible
for Nel’s death? Did your opinion change as the plot developed?
8. Was there a particular character you identified with? Was there a
particular moment you found moving, surprising, or terrifying?
9. Many of the characters in the novel are grieving — some from more
recent, raw losses and others from historic ones. How sympathetic were
you to these characters? Was there a character you felt more sympathy
for than another? Does their grief excuse their behavior?
10. Nickie Sage represents the legacy of witches that haunts the novel.
Do you believe she sees things others cannot? Do you agree with the way
she behaves?
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