How High We Go in the Dark

This novel was first conceptualized in 2011, long before the COVID-19 pandemic, though clear parallels exist between the virus in the book and the virus the world survived. Compare and contrast the two viruses and the impacts of the two pandemics.

What elements of science fiction appear in this novel? How do they propel the narrative? Do you think they were used effectively? Why or why not?

Consider how the novel uses narrators and points-of-view. Most of the narrators are male, and most chapters feature a first-person point-of-view. How do the different narrators and perspectives impact the narrative? Of the chapters that stand out as different, why do you think the author chose to change format or perspective?

The final chapter differs vastly from the rest of the book, but the text repeatedly foreshadows the moments that reveal the world builder’s role on Earth. What is foreshadowed? How does the author lay the foundation for this final reveal?

How does capitalism affect the events of the novel? What plot points, character choices, or setting changes rely on capitalism?

Which character did you find the most compelling, and which did you find the least compelling? Why?

How does the novel portray parenthood? How does it portray childhood? How are its ideas of parenthood and childhood at odds with each other?

In this novel, many of the characters struggle with personal problems while also facing global catastrophe. How do personal concerns intersect with global concerns? Do they interact? Do they exacerbate each other? Provide evidence to support your views.