Eager to dissect and dive deeper into the novel with friends — or just with your own thoughts? Here are some discussion questions to help keep you on track. Only proceed if you’ve finished the novel — spoilers abound! Want our full guide to the novel? Check it out here.
The Blackhouse
by Carole Johnstone
1. When present-day Maggie first arrives on Kilmeray, her immediate experience with the islanders — Jaz, Kelly, Gillian, and Bruce — is positive. How does this interaction set the tone for Maggie’s relationship with them throughout the course of the book?
2. At multiple points in the novel, Maggie stops herself from revealing the recent death of her mother. Why do you think she feels the need to hide such a large part of her story?
3. On page 50, Maggie recalls her mother’s fierce proclamation: “Mental illness is a tool of repression and ignorance.” What does this tell you about Maggie’s mother and do you think her statement has some truth to it?
4. When Maggie encounters Charlie on the bluffs, he tells her of strange sightings on the island, which serve to bolster Maggie’s fear of the crows she’s recently found. He goes on to mention “thin places” and tells her that Kilmeray is one. Did you believe Kilmeray truly is a “thin place”?
5. When we first meet Robert, we know right away that he is a haunted man. In contrast, he describes fellow islander, Charlie MacLeod, as “smiling, charming, everyone’s friend” (page 70). What does Charlie represent to Robert? And how does Charlie differ in the past from the present?
6. Maggie sees and hears strange things throughout the course of the novel and has a growing suspicion that someone on the island is trying to scare her. Why doesn’t Maggie mention anything to people she has befriended? And how does her fear work against her in finding answers?
7. Both Maggie and Robert feel drawn to the island and are compelled to stay longer once they’re there. How do their relationships with the island differ? What are the similarities?
8. The villagers play a prominent role in the novel, often hindering Maggie and Robert but other times providing them with support. Discuss the ways the villagers hide the truth, and also how they help.
9. Mary is obviously devoted to Robert, but he becomes so absorbed in his own self-hatred, that he begins to believe Mary is conspiring against him. What did you think Mary was thinking? Did her evolution surprise you? How does this novel make us think about marriage and partnerships today?
10. The island itself is richly atmospheric and memorably described. How are both Maggie and Robert affected by the island’s moods and elements?