The Tenant

Do you think Blake was truly a victim of circumstance, or did his own decisions set the stage for what happened? (Consider his job loss, financial decisions, and choice to let Whitney move in.

How does Whitney manipulate Blake’s vulnerabilities, and what does this say about trust between strangers?

What role does the setting—the brownstone—play in building suspense and paranoia? Could the house be considered a character in itself?

The smell of decay and strange noises are recurring details. What might these represent beyond the literal? How do they affect Blake’s mental state?

How does Blake’s relationship with his fiancée change over the course of the novel, and why? (Discuss the strain caused by secrets, financial stress, and Whitney’s presence.

In what ways do the neighbors’ shifting attitudes toward Blake mirror the unraveling of his own identity and public image?

Blake fears someone knows his darkest secrets. What do you think those secrets are, and how do they contribute to the story’s tension?

What themes does the book explore regarding appearances versus reality—especially in how characters present themselves and are perceived by others?

If you were in Blake’s position, would you have made the same decision to take in a tenant? Why or why not?

What do you think the title The Tenant really refers to—Whitney, something more metaphorical, or both?