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In the Mountain's Shadow
In a world ravaged by famine and violence, an aging woman sacrifices everything to secure her family's survival, retreating alone into the unforgiving wilderness. Battling starvation, predators, and the slow erosion of her humanity, she forges a fragile existence in the shadow of a vast, merciless mountain. What follows is a lyrical descent into the quiet, unraveling brutality of solitude, hunger, and memory.
Haunting, visceral, and deeply moving, In the Mountain’s Shadow is a story of resilience, sacrifice, and the fierce, stark horror of reality.
Discussion questions provided by the publisher, DartFrog Books.
Book club questions for In the Mountain's Shadow by Isabella Falconeri
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
How does the novel’s portrayal of isolation—both physical and emotional—shape your perception of the protagonist’s choices?
The story draws on the archetype of “the woman in the woods.” In what ways does the book reinforce or subvert this archetype?
How did the setting’s changing seasons affect the mood and pacing of the story for you?
Several characters grapple with the tension between survival and personal morality. Which moments most challenged your own sense of right and wrong?
How do themes of aging, legacy, and letting go manifest in the characters’ decisions?
The novel blends folkloric elements with post-apocalyptic realism. How did this interplay influence your interpretation of events?
If you could ask the protagonist one question at the end of the novel, what would it be—and why?
In the Mountain's Shadow Book Club Questions PDF
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