Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology
67 pages • 2-hour read
Shane HawkNever Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology
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Book Club Questions
General Impressions
Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of physical abuse, emotional abuse, child sexual abuse, and racism.
Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.
1. The anthology’s title references Indigenous beliefs about calling unwanted spirits. What was your initial reaction to how the collection used traditional folklore to create modern horror?
2. How does this collection compare to other works by its contributors, such as Tommy Orange’s There There or Rebecca Roanhorse’s Black Sun? If you have never encountered any of these writers before, whose work are you most interested in exploring further, and why?
3. Which supernatural entity from the anthology did you find most memorable: the shape-shifting kushtuka, the hungry Wehtigo, the human eaters, or something else?
Personal Reflection and Connection
Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.
1. In “Quantum,” Amber struggles with defining Indigenous identity through blood quantum laws. What do you think defines one’s cultural identity?
2. Have you ever felt caught between cultural worlds in the way the characters in stories like “Night in the Chrysalis” or “Scariest. Story. Ever.” do? How did you respond?
3. What traditions or cultural practices from your own background have you maintained or let go of as you’ve navigated contemporary society?
4. In “Sundays,” Thomas confronts his abuser but ultimately chooses self-forgiveness rather than revenge. Could you relate to his realization that inner peace is more important than external justice?
5. Several stories depict characters navigating their family histories and cultural backgrounds. What aspects of your family’s story have most influenced your worldview?
Societal and Cultural Context
Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.
1. Many stories in the anthology address how colonization has disrupted traditional knowledge. What modern efforts to preserve cultural knowledge are you aware of?
2. The anthology features both rural and urban Indigenous experiences. In what ways do these diverse settings challenge stereotypical portrayals?
3. What parallels do you see between the identity pressures in stories like “White Hills” and “Collections” and those faced by other marginalized communities?
Literary Analysis
Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.
1. Throughout the anthology, ancestral knowledge serves as both protection from and a catalyst for supernatural encounters. What purpose does this duality serve thematically?
2. What connections do you see between the body horror in stories like “Tick Talk” and “Capgras” and the anthology’s broader themes?
3. In what ways do the historical stories inform your reading of the modern narratives?
4. What does the recurring motif of possession suggest about power and identity in the context of Indigenous experiences?
5. Why might the editors have chosen to include “Hunger,” a story told from the perspective of the Wehtigo itself?
6. Water is a significant element in multiple stories throughout the collection. What does it represent? Does its meaning change between stories?
Creative Engagement
Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.
1. What traditional folklore from your own cultural or ethnic background would you incorporate into a modern horror tale? How would you adapt it?
2. Which story from this collection would make the most compelling film adaptation, and why? What choices would you make if you were directing such an adaptation (e.g., in terms of casting, set design, score, etc.)?
3. If you could possess one supernatural ability featured in the collection, which would you choose, and why?
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