What a psychologist's dream, this book! This book has all kinds of psychoses, I don't even know where to begin!
Dissociative identity disorder (multiple personalities) is a good place to begin. The author put a twist on this already difficult to believe and understand mental health condition and had one of the characters envelop other characters' personalities. Is that actually a thing or what this character just a "good actor"? The argument in the book (and real life) is that the child lived through such trauma, his brain created these personalities to cope with the stress. Do you think it helped?
Other issues that arise are cultism and how it breeds and cultivates, psychosis that leads one to kill and entice others to follow your lead and kill for you (Charles Manson ring a bell?). The story also shows us what childhood neglect can lead to (i.e., kidnapping and psychotic violent breaks). We even have a touch of substance abuse in the mix.
The story has many plot lines and stories weaved into the mix and it can get too confusing. Often, I found myself wanting it to "get to the point." But that it did. I truly enjoyed reading this and personally am thrilled with the outcome. Can't wait to discuss.
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- The book begins with the public execution of "Father Silence." What went wrong during the execution and how that play into the entire story?
- Tess Claiborne's parents are brutally murdered, but the story is more heavily centered on the kidnapping of her daughter at the same time. Do you think it was important to murder Tess's parents, given the plot, or could they have just created the mystery around Julia's kidnapping? What added plot quality was there to include the double murder?
- There are several relationships highlighted among the story's heroes. Discuss the dynamics between the relationships of Justin, Tess, Danny, and Eliza.
- There were several events leading up to the arrest of Father Silence. What role did Tess play in the entire night? Why do you think she repressed many of the memories of that night?
- Julia, despite her parent's weaknesses, is a strong character throughout the story. Do you think she will be able to keep her resiliency after experiencing this trauma?
- There were many religious elements included within the story. What role do you think Catholicism played and why do you believe the author included such as strong influence?
- Do you believe that Benjamin would ever hurt "his" children? Did you find his ending tragic?
- Who do you believe was the main antagonist? How did you feel about the end for them?
- Do you believe Noah actually suffered from dissociative identity disorder, or was he just a good actor?
- What do you think is in the future for any and all of the characters?
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