1. General Impressions
Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.
- Do you think Addie’s curse was a fair trade for immortality? Would you make the same bargain, given the choice?
- Did you find the ending satisfying? Why or why not?
2. Personal Reflection and Connection
Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.
- Both Henry and Addie reflect that, in different ways, they’ll never find “real” love. What makes love real? Can love exist in a single moment, or does it need the context of memory?
- Have you ever had someone forget you in an unexpected way? How did you manage the experience?
- The creation and erasure of art forms a major part of the novel. What are your thoughts on the purpose of art? Is there value in its creation, or does it become worthless without a tangible product?
- Consider Addie’s reluctance to enter a life of unrewarding domesticity. What would you have done in her situation?
3. Societal and Cultural Context
Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.
- Consider the way gender dynamics are presented in the novel. How do Addie and Henry's curses reflect the way men and women are viewed in today’s society?
- Addie and Henry both agree to a Faustian bargain with Luc to achieve their goals.