Diavola

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What characteristics do you associate with the Gothic novel? Have you read any classic Gothic novels, for example, Matthew Lewis’s The Monk (1796) or Ann Radcliffe’s The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794)? To what extent do you think that Diavola qualifies as a Gothic novel?

2. Anna is a complex character. Did you find it easy to identify or sympathize with her? Do you think that Anna is someone you could be friends with?

3. Have you ever visited Italy? Why do you think that Thorne chose this region as the setting for her novel?

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

1. Anna finds it challenging to navigate relationships with her parents and siblings now that they are all adults. How has your relationship with your family of origin changed as you have gotten older?

2. Have you ever been on a trip where the experience of travel brought out complicated dynamics between individuals? What qualities do you look for in people you choose to travel with?

3. Anna is hurt and betrayed when she learns that Benny told Nicole about her termination of pregnancy. Has someone ever shared information that you told them in confidence? Were you able to forgive them?

4. Have you ever encountered what you believe to be a supernatural being? Do you believe that ghosts exist?

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

1. Why does Anna’s family consider her a failure? In contemporary societies, what tends to define someone as successful? Do you think that this ideal is fair and/or healthy?

2. Anna’s respect for local Italian customs and history stands in contrast with her family. What tensions surrounding tourism does the novel touch on? What obligations do you think that tourists have when they travel?

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

1. How does Thorne cultivate an atmosphere of suspense and horror? Were there any scenes you found particularly frightening?

2. Why do you think Thorne uses third-person narration, even though the novel unfolds almost exclusively from Anna’s point of view? Would you have preferred first-person narration?

3. Were you surprised by the plot twist in which the ghost follows Anna back to New York? Did you prefer the portion of the novel set in Italy, or the portion set in New York?

4. In the novel’s final scene, Anna is depicted eating gelato. What do you think the gelato symbolizes? How does it relate to a broader motif of consumption?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Create a vision board with images inspired by the novel. These could include Italian scenery, vineyards, ancient villas, or street scenes from Siena or Florence. How does the atmosphere created by these images reflect the novel’s themes?

2. Imagine an extended version of the novel that describes the events between Anna leaving the villa and the final chapter. How would you depict events such as Anna’s development as an artist? How would this content add to the novel?