Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What were your overall impressions of Circle of Days? Which aspects of the novel did you like the most? Which aspects did you like the least?

2. How much knowledge of Neolithic Britain did you have before reading the novel? Did reading the book change your impression of that era at all? Why or why not?

3. How does Circle of Days compare to other works of historical fiction, especially other works by Ken Follett?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Seft struggles to separate himself from his family, even though they are often abusive towards him. Have you ever had difficulties ending, or setting boundaries within, a relationship that you felt was no longer healthy for you? How did your experience compare to Seft’s?

2. Joia often feels torn between her duties as a priestess and her sexual and romantic desire. Have you ever felt any tension between your professional obligations and your personal life? How did you resolve those tensions?

3. The various communities of the Great Plain respond to tragedy by attempting to endure and rebuild. Reflect on a time when you had to rebuild an aspect of your life or make a fresh start. What did you learn from that experience? 

4. Creating the Monument takes a massive effort involving many different characters in the text. Have you ever been a part of a particularly large communal undertaking (e.g., a political campaign, a volunteer activity, a charitable fundraiser)? What challenges and triumphs did you and the group experience along the way?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. What kind of society (or societies) can be found in Circle of Days? Do you note any similarities with modern society? To what extent does Follet’s historical novel contain a modern perspective and reflect modern concerns?

2. The novel ends celebrating the admiration and fame Stonehenge inspires, with travelers coming from long distances to see it. What is a particularly important monument or historical site in your own society? How does the novel reflect, or challenge, current attitudes towards cultural monuments and preservation?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. How does the narrative structure of Circle of Days affect the story? What literary and narrative techniques does Follet use to make the story accessible and/or engaging to his audience?

2. The novel is set in the Neolithic era in Great Britain. How does this setting shape the narrative?

3. The novel takes place over several decades. What is the role and significance of time in the novel? How does time change—or fail to change—the characters?

4. Explore how religion and spirituality appear in the text. How is religion and ritual depicted in the novel? How does it shape the lives and values of the characters?

5. Joia and Pia end up in powerful roles in their communities, but as women, they sometimes face special challenges. How do gender dynamics shape their characterization and/or arcs in the novel? How does the novel explore the impact of gender roles in shaping ancient societies more generally?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine that Circle of Days is being adapted for film or television. Which actors would you cast for the various characters? Why?

2. Imagine that you are an ancient priestess or other community leader in a prehistoric society hoping to construct a major monument. What sort of monument would you hope to erect, and why? How would you persuade other members of your community to support your plan?