The Bewitching

The Bewitching is told from three different points of view in three different timelines. Why do you think the author chose this unique structure to tell this story? What themes or story elements do you notice connecting them?

Minerva’s research is driven by her love of horror media and of the work of Beatrice Tremblay in particular. As the author outlines in her afterword, The Bewitching is peppered with references to the history of horror literature. What are some authors or books that you have a similar obsession with, and what interests you about them?

As Minerva investigates Beatrice Tremblay’s life and the events behind The Vanishing, she recalls stories her grandmother told her about witchcraft. What are some stories and traditions your family has shared about the supernatural? What lessons do you think Minerva draws from her grandmother’s stories?

What did you make of the relationship between Minerva and Noah? How would you describe their relationship? What do you think draws them to each other?

Minerva’s story is set at Stoneridge, a fictional university inspired by the school the author attended. What makes universities such popular settings for spooky and dark tales? What are some of the local legends you learned about your own schools?

Minerva discovers the true story behind Tremblay’s novel. How do you think real-life experiences influence artists?

The Bewitching has an immersive and unforgettable atmosphere of dread. What scene did you find most frightening or unsettling and why?

Minerva, Alba, and Beatrice are three different women separated by decades and by culture. What similarities do you notice between the women? What are some differences in the way they respond to the supernatural happenings they encounter, and what do you think accounts for those differences?

What did you think of the epilogue? What do you think will happen to Minerva after the story is over?

The Bewitching draws on multiple subgenres, from horror to gothic to dark academia. What are some books that offer a similar reading experience? What makes The Bewitching a unique experience? What type of reader would you recommend this book to and why?

Silvia Moreno-Garcia is known for her mastery of multiple genres—but, if you’ve read multiple books by the author, what common themes or ideas do you see uniting her body of work?