THE SAINT OF CARRINGTON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discussion Questions for "The Saint of Carrington"
OPENING DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
• What elements drew you into the book and inspired you to keep reading?
• What was your favorite moment in the book and why? What parts stood out for you?
• What surprised you while you were reading the book? Were there any sneaky hints along the way for plot twists?
• How did the book make you feel overall?
DEEPER DIVE QUESTIONS
• What reoccurring themes or symbolism did you notice in the book? Discuss what those themes / symbols represent and why you think they were included in the story.
• How did the challenges faced by the characters relate to your own life experiences?
• From who’s perspective was the story written? Why do you think the author chose that character as the narrator?
• How did this novel change you? Do you have any new perspectives as a result of reading this book?
• What did you think about the main characters? Did you care about their wellbeing?
STORY-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
• The year is 1899. Why do you think the author chose to set the story in 1899? In what ways does the era impact the story?
• Why does Nora choose to take the journey to Europe when she clearly does not want to go? How does that leap of faith inform her character?
In what ways does Nora’s status (as woman and widow) affect how others see her? And how she sees herself? Where does Nora get her strength? Compare Nora at the beginning of the book to who she is by the end.
• How does the family begin to heal after being fractured by Garrett’s death?
• What makes William believe that Carrington is hiding a secret and why is he so sure he can solve the mystery?
• Do you believe in Christmas magic / Christmas miracles? Why / why not? Do you think the author believes? Why / why not?
• Do you think the author’s life specifically influenced the novel?
• Discuss how Nick’s tragic past and unique heritage shaped how he sees the world. Would it change how you feel about Christmas if you found out Nick’s origin story of Santa Claus was actually true?
• Why do you think the author chose the Swiss Alps instead of the North Pole for the setting of the novel? How did that decision shape the plot?
• Discuss whether or not Simon was a believable "Scrooge" character? Was the cause of his transformation magical or psychological?
• Do you think what Becca sees in the garden was real or her imagination? Discuss "the belief in angels" and why / why not they do / don’t exist.
• Discuss how The Carrington Grand Hotel becomes a character in the story.
• Did the town folk have an impact on the story even though they were peripheral characters?
FUN WRAP UP QUESTIONS
• What was your favorite quote or passage and why did it have meaning for you?
• If you could invite one of the characters over for dinner, who would you choose and why?
• If you had to pick one lesson that the author intended to teach the reader in this story, what would it be?
• If you could write one more chapter after the ending of this book, what would you write?
• If you could ask the author one question, what would you ask?
• Did your opinion of the book change after our discussion today?
PERSONAL QUESTION FROM THE AUTHOR
• Would you like to see a sequel to this book?
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• Questions? • Suggestions? • Comments? • I'd love to here from you! •
This page will contain discussion questions for each Carrington book in the series as they are published.
