The Ghostwriter

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How do you feel about the way the book reveals the killers’ identities? Did you find it satisfying? Did you like Clark’s use of ambiguity and implication to reveal who killed Danny?

2. Compare Olivia to the protagonists of Clark’s last two novels—Kat and Meg from The Lies I Tell and Claire from The Last Flight. Which of these characters do you relate to most, and why?

3. How do you feel about the way Olivia’s emotional arc develops within the mystery plot? Did you care about Olivia’s relationship with Tom? Did you wish the novel had focused more on this relationship?

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

1. Describe your relationship with your parents or guardian figures. How does it compare with Olivia’s relationship with Vincent?

2. Do you think it’s possible to be completely honest about your life with someone else? Can you relate to Olivia’s decision to keep her relationship with Vincent a secret from Tom? Why or why not?

3. How important are traditions in your family? How did they begin, and what makes them special to you? Are they similar to the treasure hunts that strengthen the relationships between Vincent, Poppy, and Olivia?

4. Vincent’s story circulates as an urban legend before Olivia learns the truth. Think of an urban legend from your youth and share it with the group. Do you think this story was true? Why or why not?

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

1. Olivia suffers sexist treatment in her workplace when she stands up for her beliefs. Discuss how Olivia’s experience resonates with something you’ve experienced or witnessed in your own industry or job.

2. What does the novel say about justice, inside and outside of the legal system? Do people treat Vincent fairly? Why or why not?

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

1. Discuss the three narrative voices Clark uses in the novel. Do these voices feel different from one another? How does each voice achieve this effect?

2. Clark uses red herrings throughout the novel. What are some of these false leads? Did the red herrings create suspense, or did they distract you from Olivia’s investigation?

3. Why do Olivia and Vincent decide to withhold the truth about Lydia from the memoir? Is Clark suggesting that some lies or secrets are acceptable? If so, why?

4. Discuss how the novel frames the morality of Danny’s actions. How does his violence against Lydia relate to his identity as a survivor of sexual abuse?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine you were casting the adaptation of this novel. Who might you cast to play Olivia and Vincent (as teenagers and adults)? Think of the roles your actors have played before: How do these characters make the actors good choices for Olivia and Vincent?

2. Write a scene that depicts Lydia’s perspective during Danny’s murder. What details might you use to fill in this gap in the novel? After sharing your work, discuss Clark’s possible reasons for withholding this scene from the novel.