The Bewitching

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What were your overall impressions of the book’s depictions of witchcraft and bewitching? Did you find the novel’s resolution satisfying?

2. Which of the characters did you relate to the most, and why?

3. Have you read other books by Silvia Moreno-Garcia? Could you identify any similarities between The Bewitching and her other novels, such as Mexican Gothic or Silver Nitrate?

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

1. Minerva feels a deep connection to her Nana Alba that provides her with strength and support throughout the novel. Is there a relationship in your life that provides you with similar intergenerational wisdom and connection?

2. Across the novel, Minerva moves from researching the supernatural to experiencing a full-blown bewitching. Have you ever had an encounter with a spirit or supernatural force? Do you believe in ghosts?

3. What did you make of this novel’s depiction of female empowerment? What lessons did you take away from it that you might be able to apply to your own life?

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

1. How does Moreno-Garcia’s novel comment on cultural erasure? Which aspects of folk culture do various characters dismiss, and what are the broader politics behind their prejudice?

2. Discuss the novel’s depictions of class, wealth, and privilege. How does the author’s depiction of the perils of affluence resonate with contemporary activism around wealth inequality and resource disparity, such as labor movements like The United Farm Workers or protests like Occupy Wall Street?

3. Discuss this novel’s politics of gender. What is the author trying to say about feminism and women’s empowerment?

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

1. How do the novel’s three timelines help shape its narrative structure and plot? How would the story have been different if the author had chosen to use only one protagonist and timeline?

2. Discuss Carolyn’s character development. How do her wealth and privilege shape who she is, and how might the author be using them to make a broader statement about affluence and identity?

3. What role does Indigenous Mexican culture play in the novel? What impact does Moreno-Garcia’s incorporation of real-world Indigenous legends, such as the teyolloquani, have on the narrative?

4. The author often uses colors symbolically in her work. Which colors do you see repeated in this novel, and what is their significance?

5. How do the novel’s settings influence its plot and thematic structure?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. How would you adapt this novel into a film? Discuss whom you would cast in its lead roles, where you would set it, and which of the novel’s supernatural elements you would make use of.

2. Describe a sequel to this novel. What happens to Minerva? Is Noah revealed as a warlock, or would he remain benign? How would Minerva proceed with her research, and what would be the focus of her PhD?