When She Returned

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did you feel about Berry’s choice to split the novel between Abbi, Meredith, and Kate’s perspectives? Did this add to or detract from your reading experience of the overall narrative?

2. Although the main focus of the novel is on Kate’s return, there are many other smaller plots within the narrative. Which plot did you find more engaging between the characters of the novel? For example, you might discuss Kate and Scott’s previous marriage versus Scott and Meredith’s current marriage.

3. Have you read other works by Lucinda Berry, such as Saving Noah or The Perfect Child? How do they compare to When She Returned?

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

1. How did Kate’s decision to leave her family impact you emotionally? Did you sympathize with Kate, or were you shocked by her choice?

2. Consider the various relationship dynamics at play in the novel. How do they compare to relationships you have seen or experienced in real life? For example, have you or a friend ever felt like their partner was stagnant like Kate does with Scott?

3. Meredith’s position is a classic narrative trope, in which a character knows something bad about another character, but no one believes them. Have you ever been in this position? How would you convince Scott and Abbi to listen to reason?

4. Abbi complains that she is excluded from adult conversations. Can you remember a time when you felt like you were treated like that? How did it make you feel?

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

1. Though the novel focuses on cult dynamics in Kate’s story, it also addresses the broader issue of abuse and domestic violence. How does Berry explore these issues, and how do they reflect current societal perspectives on these issues?

2. Many cult narratives take place in Montana or the wilderness. How do cultural representations and understandings of rural life contribute to the use of this setting? 

3. Lucinda Berry uses her background in psychology to inform her fiction, and in When She Returned, she delves into the psychology within cults. How have you seen these dynamics play out in contemporary cultural portrayals of cults?

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

1. Splitting the novel’s present timeline between Abbi and Meredith gives two perspectives through which to read Kate’s return. How did they differ, and how did they work together to provide a more complete picture of the event?

2. Abbi notes that Meredith handles Kate’s return surprisingly well, since it is obvious that Scott still loves Kate. Discuss Meredith’s journey over the course of the novel. Are her actions and reactions believable? 

3. Most of the present timeline takes place in the house, which is bugged by the FBI. Discuss the effects of this setting on the characters’ feelings and actions. How does it contribute to the tone of the novel? 

4. One motif in the novel is Ray’s use of Bible quotes to manipulate his followers. Discuss the ways in which Ray uses religion to control his followers.

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Though Kate repeats how attractive she finds Ray, Abbi does not agree. How did you imagine Ray looked? If the novel were adapted into film, is there a particular actor you would cast, and why? 

2. Though the ending of When She Returned has Kate imprisoned, Ray freed, and Scott, Meredith, and Abbi returning home as a family, there are still unanswered questions. Sketch out a sequel to the novel. Do you think Meredith and Scott’s marriage will last? How will Kate function without contact with Ray? Will Ray start a new division of Love International?

3. Imagine you are Kate’s friend, Christina, and you notice that Kate is starting to spend more time with Ray and Love International. Write a scene in which you confront Kate about her actions. How would such a scene end? How would it affect the novel?