Afterwards (Lupton) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
1. The fact that Grace and Jenny exist as spirits for much of the story is fairly unusual. Did you manage to suspend your disbelief enough for their state to feel convincing?

2. There are certain themes that seem to interest the author. Can you comment on these?

3. Can you comment on Jenny and Grace’s relationship and explain how it evolves throughout the story?

4. Can you also comment on the relationship between Michael and Adam and look at how their relationship evolves?

5. Did you guess who the arsonist was? How convincing are the red herrings?

6. Discuss the main themes of the book and look at how integral they are to the plot.

7. The dynamic between Grace and Sarah is an interesting one and changes quite significantly over the course of the story. Can you talk about this?

8. What are your thoughts on the ways in which family abuse is illustrated in the story.

9. What do you think of the two mother/daughter relationships in the book?

10. What do you think of Grace and Michael’s marriage? Perhaps talk about the connection between Grace and Michael even though they cannot communicate with each other.

11. Could the story have ended in any other way?

12. What do you think of Rosamund Lupton’s use of water imagery—for example, Adam needing armbands, Jenny being alone in the ocean as she dies, and the ending?

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