Book Club Discussion Questions for The Writing Retreat

Julia Bartz's captivating thriller The Writing Retreat will inspire quite the conversation! 

Need a little help – or simply a jumping-off point – for your book club? Look no further. We've got your discussion questions right here. 

1. The Writing Retreat explores the intricate ways in which loss can influence and shape the resulting actions of an individual. From the very beginning, Alex’s feelings of sadness and longing at the sight of her high school friends’ bond haunt her throughout the novel, leading to a series of events that are both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking. How does Alex’s journey to come to terms with her loss ultimately shape her character development and influence the trajectory of the story?
2. The personalities of Roza and Alex are complex and multifaceted, and comparing and contrasting them can provide insight into their motivations and behaviors. In what ways are they similar, and in what ways do they differ? How do their interactions and experiences throughout the novel shape their relationship and change their perspectives of one another?
3. Competition is a key theme in The Writing Retreat, and it can be seen as both a driving force and a hindrance to the young women’s creative process. In what ways does the novel depict the ways in which competition can lead to toxic comparisons and sabotage? How do the characters navigate these challenges, and where do they find empowerment and growth in the face of such pressure?
4. Roza is a formidable antagonist in the novel, and her characteristics are both terrifying and fascinating. What traits make Roza such a successful adversary, and how does the novel explore the dynamic between her and the other writers? How does her presence contribute to the atmosphere of tension and unease that pervades the retreat?
5. Blackbriar estate is a central setting in The Writing Retreat, and its character is just as important to the story as the human characters who inhabit it. How does the mansion and its surroundings contribute to the atmosphere of the novel, and what role does it play in the characters’ experiences and perceptions of one another? 
6. From all of the unexpected twists and turns that kept you on the edge of your seat, which twist shocked you the most, and what about it made it so effective and surprising? How did it change your perspective on the characters and the story as a whole?
7. The relationship between Alex and Wren is fraught with tension and history, and the novel delves deep into the complexities of their dynamic. Were there any surprises in the way their relationship was portrayed, and how did their experiences at the writing retreat affect their interactions with each other? In what ways did they grow and change as individuals as a result of their shared experience?
8. The Writing Retreat explores the ways in which the subjects and themes of the writers’ novels are intertwined with their own personal experiences and perspectives. How does this aspect of the novel enhance your understanding of the characters and their creative processes? In what ways do the parallels between the writers and their work add depth and complexity to the story?
9. The theme of leaving behind one’s old self is present throughout The Writing Retreat, with many characters grappling with the idea of growth and change. Which characters do you feel were successful in shedding their old selves, and at what cost? How does this theme contribute to the overall message of the novel?
10. The Writing Retreat features a cast of female writers with distinct personalities and motivations. Which character did you relate to the most, and why? 
11. The Writing Retreat balances tension and atmosphere with humor and satire, making for a unique and engaging reading experience. What were some of the lines or moments in the novel that made you laugh the most, and how did they contribute to the overall tone of the story
12. The ending of the book has been a source of controversy among readers. Without giving away spoilers, what did you think of the ending, and did it satisfy your expectations for the story?
13. The book has been compared to other thrillers and mysteries, such as Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None and Riley Sager’s Final Girls. What similarities and differences do you see between The Writing Retreat and these other works, and how does it stand out from the crowd of similar books in the genre? 
14. The characters in the book are defined by certain personality traits or behaviors, such as Taylor being quirky and Wren being high-maintenance. How does the author use these characterizations to create tension and conflict, and do you think they are effective in making the characters feel real and nuanced?
15. The book deals with themes of female relationships and fame, particularly the darker side of these concepts. How does the author explore these themes throughout the story, and what message do you think she is trying to convey?
16. The author, Roza Vallo, is a feminist horror writer with a reputation for pushing boundaries in her work. How does her presence and behavior at the retreat impact the other writers, and what does it reveal about the nature of the publishing industry and the expectations placed on female writers?
17. The book takes place in a remote mansion during a snowstorm, with the writers cut off from the outside world. How did the isolation and claustrophobia affect the story and the characters?
18. The book explores themes of female friendship, rivalry, and power dynamics. How did the relationships between the characters impact the story and the mystery at the heart of the book?
19. The Writing Retreat has been described as a thriller, a mystery, and a satire. How do you think these different genres and tones come together in the book? Did it work for you, or did it feel disjointed? 
20. How did the author’s writing style affect your reading experience? Were there any particular passages or quotes that you found especially powerful or well-written?

The Writing Retreat

by Julia Bartz

For a perfect wine pairing, recipe, playlist from author Julia Bartz and more, check out the Page & Pairing guide to The Writing Retreat.

Questions courtesy of Simon & Schuster