The Compound

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Did you find Lily to be a compelling narrator? Is she a reliable narrator? How did your perception of her change over the course of the novel?

2. How does the show depicted in the novel compare to reality shows you have watched? If you don’t watch reality TV, were you still able to appreciate the book?

3. How does this novel compare to other speculative fiction/thriller novels about reality television, such as The Hunger Games series (2008-2025) or Kiersten White’s Hide (2022)?

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

1. Do you think it would be possible to form a genuine romantic connection amid the circumstances the novel describes? Why or why not?

2. Could you empathize with Lily’s desire for a break from work? If you could get away from the pressures of your daily life, where would you go and what would you do?

3. Would you ever join a reality show like the one described in The Compound? Would you join any reality shows?

4. The novel reveals that Lily spent most of her free time prior to arriving at the compound watching the show. Has a show (or movie, book, etc.) ever dominated your life in this way? Do you think that is necessarily a bad thing?

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

1. What environmental themes does the novel tackle besides The Threat of Climate Change in the modern world? For example, how does the accumulation of trash at the compound reflect real-world concerns about pollution and overconsumption?

2. The location of the compound and the nationality of the production company are never given, though Lily and the other residents use British slang. What is the effect of not revealing these details? How well do the novel’s themes resonate across societies and cultures?

3. The women of the compound live with the constant threat of sexual violence, and Lily overhears men using gendered slurs to describe her. What commentary do you think the novel offers about the root causes of gender inequality?

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

1. Consider the novel’s use of time. How does the narrative compress long stretches of time, or make single moments stretch for pages? How did these changes in tempo affect your reading experience?

2. How does Lily’s character change over the course of the novel? What causes these changes?

3. What is the significance of the compound’s desert setting? How might the novel be different if it were set in a forest or on a vast plain?

4. What did you make of the “monument” Andrew constructs? What does it seem to represent to him? Do you think it represents the same thing in the novel broadly?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Do you think it would be possible to adapt this book into a movie or series? What difficulties might a production team face? If you were adapting this book, whom would you cast in the roles of Lily, Sam, and Tom?

2. Imagine a sequel to this novel: What do you think Lily’s life will be like after the show? Alternatively, how might a new group of contestants react to the compound when they arrive?