Last month we read a cracking historical fiction novel by Megan Campisi called The Sin Eater.
This tale took us into the world of women who were involuntarily chosen to eat the sins of those who died in order to facilitate the deceased's way into heaven. However, due to carrying the sins of those around them, these women were ostracised. No one would look or touch them and they weren't allowed to speak unless they were holding a recitation - the moment someone who was dying confessed their sins.
The Sin Eater in our novel finds herself witness to a complex conspiracy involving the Queen herself.
The world of the sin eaters existed in England until as little as 100 years ago.
Throughout the month I provided the members of our Historical Fiction Heart Book Club with questions each week. Our conversation flowed! Then we met live at the end of the fourth weeks for our monthly chat.
Please feel free to use any of our questions in your own book club. These are paced for reading across four weeks (finish a quarter of the novel each week).
Book Club Questions - Week One
Had you heard of sin eaters before reading this book?
When reading about which foods are eaten for which sins, did any surprise you or seem particularly fitting?
At the eating for Corliss, there is deer heart for murder which makes us think the Queen knew Corliss murdered someone even though she didn't get to admit it. Who do you think she murdered?
Book Club Questions - Week Two
In what ways does May's ostracisation take away her power but also give her power?
Why do you think May was chosen to be a sin eater in the first place?
Our story is written in first person from the point of view of a teenage girl. Does the author use language and tone that make the character feel realistic?
Book Club Questions - Week Three
How does May change after learning the truth about herself and her family?
What do you think of the pace of the novel? Do you feel compelled to read on?
Does reading this book impact your emotions? If so, how?
Book Club Questions - Week Four
Freedom was a really central theme in the novel. Was any character in the novel truly free? Who was the freest?
Can good versus evil be that black and white? Can the sin be separated from the sinner?
What was your favourite scene, or the scene that stayed with you?
How did you feel about the author's ability to world build? Did you feel you were back in the world of the sin eater?
If you'd like to join our book club, we're currently reading The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. Click here to join our Facebook Book Club Group so you can contribute to our discussions or email me at kim@kimpinkwriter.com and find out more.
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