The Silent Companions

There are a number of secrets throughout the novel: Elsie’s treatment of her parents, the identity of Mrs Holt’s daughter and questions over who stole the diamond necklace. Discuss whether or not the revelation of secrets does more harm than good.

The novel consists of three narratives: Elsie’s thoughts at St Joseph’s Hospital, the third-person account of her time at The Bridge and Anne’s diary from

Discuss the effect of these multiple narrative voices.

Does society’s treatment of women improve as time moves on?

How important is the idea of family and reputation to the characters in both 1635 and 1835?

In The Silent Companions it seems that death is less permanent when murder is the cause. Discuss how the murdered characters haunt those that are still alive.

Was there ever a possibility that the characters at The Bridge could have escaped unharmed?

Discuss the use and significance of fire in the novel.

Ideas of love and protection seem to be behind questionable actions. Did Elsie really protect Jolyon by murdering their parents? Was Jolyon protecting Elsie by having her committed to St Joseph’s?

Discuss the link between pregnancy, evil and the companions.