Within and between the oh-so-creatively structured lines of Melissa Mogollon’s debut novel, Oye, you’ll find so much to unpack. As you glean the details that make up the experiences of Luciana’s family, you’ll want to know more and more. Once you’ve finished reading, consider some of the questions below to help guide your contemplation and conversation. And be sure to check out the full guide to Oye on Page and Pairing.
Oye
by Melissa Mogollon
1. What did you think of the structure of the book? What was the reading experience like for you
2. Which character did you gravitate to and why?
3. What was it like getting to know Mari only through Luciana’s side of the conversation? What do you think a novel of Mari’s side of the phone calls would be like?
4. Describe Luciana’s relationship with Abue. What do they have in common? Where do they differ?
5. How does Luciana’s view of her Abue – and her family in general – change as she learns more about Abue’s history? Have you ever learned a family secret or story that put things into a different perspective for you?
6. Compare and contrast Abue’s relationship with her sister Luisa and Luciana’s relationship with Mari.
7. How does Luciana evolve over the course of the novel? What are the major turning points in her character’s trajectory?
8. How did you feel about Abue’s decision at the end of the book?
9. Discuss Luciana’s relationship with her mother. What are the major sources of friction in their relationship? Did you feel there was resolution in these areas by the end of the novel?
10. What was your favorite scene in the book? Why?
11. What do you think happens to Luciana after the novel ends?