The Book of Guilt

The Book of Guilt is Catherine Chidgey’s ninth novel and her first foray into dystopian fiction. How else would you classify it—as fantasy, thriller, historical, and/or realistic fiction?

The story takes place in an alternate history where “ no one ” won World War II. How did this affect your reading of the novel? How did this novel compare with others that concern World War II and its aftermath?

How did you feel about the late 1970s England setting? Why do you think the author chose this time and place? Could the novel be set anywhere, anytime, now?

Nature versus nurture is one idea explored with the triplets, who have different relationships with each other and hold each other in different esteem. How would you describe each triplet and how did you gravitate toward one over another?

What is the goal of Dr. Roach’ s research?

What connections did you make between the world of the novel and real life? To what extent did the events of the novel feel realistic or possible?

Were you shocked by the behavior of Nancy ’ s parents? How they treated Nancy and then the triplets?

There is a feeling of rising unease throughout The Book of Guilt, interspersed with moments of humor, warmth, shock, and sadness. Did you finish the novel with one predominant emotional reaction?

How many of the novel’s twists did you see coming?