Book of Night

Consider the way parent-child relationships are portrayed in the novel: Edmund and Lionel Salt, Charlie and her mother, Charlie and Rand. Is there a common thread across these relationships? What do they communicate about the wider social structure?

Charlie’s appearance, particularly her curves and her tattoos, is often described. Is Charlie defined by the way she looks? How does she use her looks to define herself?

Remy and Red are literal inversions of each other. What other pairings of characters can be interpreted this way and why?

Consider how the novel discusses power imbalance in relationships. How does unequal magical ability affect interpersonal connection? Unequal social status or wealth?

What is Lionel Salt’s greatest weakness? How does Charlie take advantage of it? Can this weakness be found in any other character?

Posey and Malhar are two characters with a deep interest in and knowledge of shadow magic culture. Explore their contrasting approaches. Is one more authentic than the other? How are they the same, and how are they different? Why does the novel present these divergent methodologies?

Why does the novel base its portrayal of shadow magic on real-life cultures and trends? How do these parallels affect the reading experience?

Consider the varying ways love is depicted throughout the novel. Is love a weakness, or a source of strength?