Behind Her Eyes

David’s notes say Adele is a sociopath. Do you agree? What behaviors and elements of her characterization support or refute that diagnosis? Support your responses with textual evidence.

What images of psychiatric treatment does the novel portray? Refer to Westlands and to the clinic where David works: How are the two facilities akin and what roles do they serve in the overarching plot?

To what extent do you think Rob/Adele really loves David? Does he/she have ulterior motives for being with him and if so, what are these motives? Cite the text in support of your response.

Does Louise come across as a strong or weak character? Find specific examples from the text to support your response.

What significance do houses and homes—including Fairdale, David and Adele’s house and Louise’s flat—have in the book? How would the story be different without these mentions?

The ability to move in an out-of-body experience, or astral projection, is a supernatural, thus far unscientific concept. How convincingly is it portrayed in the novel? Support your response. 

How does the novel’s title Behind Her Eyes have varied meanings in the plot? Find examples from the text and explain how these support your claim.

How does Pinborough manage to keep the suspense going throughout the novel without allowing the reader to suspect that Adele is actually Rob in the present? Cite the text to support your response.