Chris Bohjalian: Secrets of Eden

20. Reverend Drew remembers an intimate moment with Alice Hayward in which she asks him to “Remind me who I am”. How do you understand this need in Alice? What was she looking for in Reverend Drew? Do you think she got it?

21. Excerpts from Heather Laurent’s books are interspersed throughout the novel. Look closely at each excerpt and at what comes before and after. Discuss why you think these are included, and how they impact your reading based on where they appear. Is there a literal connection between what’s happening in the story and what’s happening in Heather Laurent’s books, or is the connection more nuanced? Does one excerpt stand out to you more than the others?

22. Chris Bohjalian’s readers know that his novels often address a significant social issue. Secrets of Eden tackles the tragedy of domestic violence. How did reading this novel influence your understanding of domestic violence?

23. Angels are a recurring image and a major theme in Secrets of Eden . Who sees them? When do they appear? How are they described? How do they affect each character differently? In the end, do the angels provide an image of hope?

CHRIS BOHJALIAN is the author of twelve novels, including the New York Times bestsellers The Double Bind, Skeletons at the Feast , and Midwives . His work has been translated into twenty-six languages. He lives in Vermont with his wife and daughter.

Visit him at www.chrisbohjalian.com.