Every Vow You Break: A Novel

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Let’s start with your overall reaction. Did the novel meet your expectations for a psychological thriller? Was the final reveal of the Silvanus Cult a satisfying explanation for the strange events on Heart Pond Island?

2. How did the novel’s slow-burn pacing and isolated, technology-free setting affect your reading experience? Did you find the building sense of dread effective, or were you eager for the action to start sooner?

3. Peter Swanson is known for suspense novels that often feature intricate plots and moral ambiguity. For those who have read his other works, like The Kind Worth Killing, how does Every Vow You Break compare in terms of style, characterization, and twists?

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

1. Abigail justifies her decision to marry Bruce by saying she “got sick of” the instability of her last long-term relationship, claiming she was drawn to Bruce’s dependable nature as a result. How does the novel explore the trade-off between passion and security in relationships and life choices? Have you ever been in a similar situation?

2. At her wedding, Abigail feels like a “fictional character” and an “impostor” in her own life. What do you think this reveals about her state of mind before the honeymoon even begins, and have you ever felt a similar sense of disconnect during a major life event?

3. What did you make of Scottie’s idea of a “pocket of time,” where actions exist outside the consequences of real life? Based on your own experiences, do you think this is a realistic concept? Why do you think this idea was so appealing to Abigail?

4. Bruce’s generosity, like paying off Abigail’s student loans early in their relationship, is later revealed to be a form of control. At what point does a kind gesture cross the line into a transaction meant to create a power imbalance? Have you ever witnessed a gesture that crossed this line?

5. The novel charts Abigail’s journey from a passive “passenger” in her own life to a resourceful survivor. Think of a time when you felt like a passenger or a survivor. What specific moment from the text connects to your experience, and why?

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

1. The Silvanus Cult is presented as a men’s rights group that believes it has the right to punish women for infidelity. How does the novel’s portrayal of this fictional cult reflect or comment on real-world online communities and ideologies rooted in male grievance?

2. How does the cult’s use of “fidelity tests” reflect or critique broader societal expectations about female loyalty and behavior?

3. In what ways does Heart Pond Island, a private playground for the ultra-rich, serve as a commentary on how extreme wealth can create immunity from legal and social consequences?

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

1. How did the non-linear structure in the novel’s first half, which weaves together flashbacks of Abigail’s past relationships, shape your understanding of her decision to marry Bruce?

2. What is the significance of the recurring cinematic allusions, especially the references to Hitchcock’s Vertigo? How does this motif reinforce the theme of performed identities and the idea that the characters are playing roles in a sinister script?

3. The narrative undergoes a distinct shift from a psychological thriller to a survival thriller in the final acts. How did this change in genre impact the story’s overall tone or message?

4. What symbolism lies behind the Green Man imagery and the setting of the woods? How does this connect to the cult’s twisted view of nature and patriarchal order?

5. Reflect on the character of Jill Greenly, whose murder is a major turning point. How did her presence and her tragic fate heighten the stakes of the story?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. The story is told entirely from Abigail’s perspective. Imagine you could read a chapter from another character’s point of view, such as Bruce, Eric, or Mellie. Whose perspective would you choose, and what do you think it would reveal?

2. During the wedding, Abigail reflects on the “creepy” lyrics of the song “Every Breath You Take” by The Police. If you were asked to compose a soundtrack for a movie adaptation of this novel, what songs would you include for the most important scenes, and why?

3. Imagine Abigail decides to write a memoir about her experience. What would she title it, and what message would she most want to convey to her readers?