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The Story Collector
In a quiet village in Ireland, a mysterious local myth is about to change everything…
One hundred years ago, Anna, a young farm girl, volunteers to help an intriguing American visitor translate fairy stories from Irish to English. But all is not as it seems and Anna soon finds herself at the heart of a mystery that threatens her very way of life.
In New York in the present day, Sarah Harper boards a plane bound for the West Coast of Ireland. But once there, she finds she has unearthed dark secrets – secrets that tread the line between the everyday and the otherworldly, the seen and the unseen.
With a taste for the magical in everyday life, Evie Woods's latest novel is full of ordinary characters with extraordinary tales to tell.
This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with HarperCollins Publishers.
Book club questions for The Story Collector by Evie Woods
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
To what extent does the natural environment in the story influence the unfolding events?
How are various characters' reactions to folklore and superstition depicted?
Can you trace any symbolic elements in the story and their relevance to the plot?
How does the narrative explore the concept of tradition against modern sensibilities?
What role does societal expectation play in shaping the actions of the characters?
How are the elements of loss, grief, and healing tackled within the narrative?
How does the author utilize the supernatural to enhance the overall theme of the story?
How do the shared stories and experiences within the narrative underline the universality of human experiences across different time periods?
What role do myths and legends play in The Story Collector?
How would you describe the role of the hawthorn tree in the story?
The Story Collector Book Club Questions PDF
Click here for a printable PDF of the The Story Collector discussion questions
Consumer reviews:
“Skillfully blends past and present with folklore and romance! I finished this book with a smile on my face. Definitely one to buy for my bookshelf!”
“A charming literary escape for anyone who loves books and the magic they hold… successfully captures the essence of how stories can forever change us, making this novel a must-read.”
“Romantic and magical, an adventure to be enjoyed.”
“Painted beautifully.”
“A bewitching story which I will treasure.”
“A mystical treasure that echoes with the fairy world power of Ireland. A mesmerizing tale told in two timelines where the past unfolds and ripples like a wave into the future.”
“This is the perfect book to read on a winter afternoon in front of the fire.”
“A delightful tale of love and loss and magical stories.”