48 pages • 1 hour read
Adrienne YoungA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Why do you think the Salt orchard is perceived as valuable enough to kill for? Are the islanders only motivated by the money it could bring in, or is there something else at play?
How does the portrayal of Emery and August’s relationship evolve throughout the novel, and in what ways does the revelation of the blood moon vow complicate or deepen your understanding of their connection? Does the supernatural element enhance or undermine the authenticity of their bond?
Were you surprised by Lily’s killer? How does the author use foreshadowing to lay the groundwork for this revelation?
Ghosts of the past is a recurring idea throughout the novel. Choose one character and explore how their past shaped the person they grew to become. Consider their personality traits, choices, and beliefs.
Why do you think magic exists on Saoirse Island that doesn’t occur anywhere else? What makes this setting so special?
Even though the island is a small community, class divides play a central role in the story. Explore the role of social class in the novel and how it impacts the two murders that occur.
How does the depiction of Saoirse Island reflect the complexities of small, insular communities? Considering the island’s isolation, close-knit relationships, and mystical elements, does it seem like an appealing or unsettling place to live, and why?
What is the significance of Emery’s family tearoom? What does this setting convey about the Blackwood family?
Did you find the ending satisfying? How did each character end up with what they needed? Explain your reasoning.
The novel’s final chapter implies that either Emery and August or their children will be drawn back to the island. What do you think lies ahead for these characters? Where do you think their journeys will take them next?
By Adrienne Young
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