The Lost Story: A Novel

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of child abuse, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The novel draws inspiration from C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia while creating its own unique mythology. What aspects of Shaffer’s magical world did you find most compelling, and how does it compare to Narnia in its approach to the relationship between fantasy and reality?

2. What effect did the dual narrative structure, with the main storyline and the “Storyteller’s Corner” interludes, have on your reading experience?

3. Why do you think Shaffer chose to set a magical realm in the forests of West Virginia rather than traditional Western European-inspired fantasy settings?

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

1. Rafe discovers that confronting painful memories becomes necessary for his healing. When has facing difficult truths in your own life led to important personal growth?

2. Which character’s journey in the novel resonated most strongly with your own life experiences?

3. The novel presents art, music, and writing as powerful forces for healing and transformation. Which creative outlets have provided you with comfort or escape during challenging times?

4. Emilie initially doubts her courage before discovering her inner strength. When have you surprised yourself with your own resilience?

5. If you created your own 10-point survival guide for navigating transitions like Jeremy did after leaving Shanandoah, what would be your top three rules?

6. Skya’s magical escape into Shanandoah represents finding sanctuary from real-world dangers. What places or activities have served as your personal Shanandoah during difficult times?

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

1. The novel touches on serious issues like child abuse while offering Shanandoah as a sanctuary. What does this suggest about the role of fantasy in addressing traumatic realities?

2. How might the novel’s portrayal of Rafe’s relationship with his father reflect broader societal tensions between conformity and authentic self-expression?

3. Shaffer incorporates American geography and folklore rather than using European medieval settings for her fantasy world. What significance might this choice hold for readers?

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

1. Analyze Bill’s character arc from abusive father to redeemed spirit.

2. What function do the Bright Boys serve as both literal monsters and metaphorical representations of fear?

3. The novel ends with the revelation that Skya is the storyteller. What purpose does this metafictional element serve?

4. The three distinct settings each have different rules and atmospheres. How do Shanandoah, Ghost Town, and the real world reflect different aspects of the characters’ psychological states?

5. Rafe’s sketchbook functions as both a plot device and a powerful symbol throughout the narrative. What does the sketchbook represent in various stages of the novel? Has art held a similar role in your life?

6. The characters in the novel each possess unique magical gifts that reflect aspects of their personalities. What connections do you see between their abilities and their character development?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you could create your own magical kingdom like Shanandoah, what elements from your imagination would it include?

2. Imagine you discover your own portal to Shanandoah. Which character would you most want to meet, and what would you ask them?

3. The novel ends with the hope that Rafe and Jeremy might find a new path back to Shanandoah. What do you think happens next for these characters?

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