Credence

Early in the novel, someone replaces the bag of candy that Tiernan threw out of her room, with a note scribbled on the bag. Which of the three Van der Bergs do you think replaces the bag and writes the note? What do the actions reveal about that character and their relationship to Tiernan?

“It’s a couple’s home. Not a family’s” (1). Tiernan notes that her parents never acted as if she existed. How does Douglas characterize Tiernan’s parents when they are absent throughout the novel?

Kaleb writes a slur on Tiernan’s forehead. What does this moment represent?

Reactions to Credence have been polarizing, with many readers arguing that the Van der Bergs take advantage of an emotionally vulnerable Tiernan. What is your response to the novel and the criticism?

Noah asks Tiernan why she desires him the least even though he has never hit her. How does the novel represent the relationship between patriarchy and violence?

Tiernan tells Noah and the others her mother’s advice about Lust, Learn, and Love. How does Douglas represent motherhood?

How does the novel explore the dichotomy of rural and urban?

Critics of dark and taboo romance genres argue the novels romanticize abusive and violent behavior. Readers and writers of the genre counter that exploring forbidden themes empowers them to deal with dark subjects on their own terms. Based on your reading of Credence, what is your critical response?