Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of mental illness, graphic violence, and death. 



Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How does Jackson build tension throughout the novel, and what effect does Merricat’s unreliable narration have on your understanding of events? Have you read other works by Jackson—particularly The Haunting of Hill House? If so, how does this novel compare in terms of psychological horror?

2. What was your reaction to the revelation that Merricat, not Constance, poisoned the family? How did this affect your perception of earlier events in the novel?

3. The novel’s tone shifts between whimsical, darkly humorous, and deeply disturbing. Which aspects of the story did you find most effective, and why?

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

1. Merricat creates elaborate rituals and “protective” magic to maintain her desired way of life. What routines or traditions do you maintain in your own life, and what purpose do they serve?

2. The villagers’ treatment of the Blackwoods reflects complex dynamics of fear, fascination, and resentment. Have you witnessed or experienced similar community dynamics?