One Dark Window

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Rachel Gillig’s novel is popular on BookTok, and Elspeth and Ravyn’s relationship follows the fake courtship to real feelings trope. How does this novel compare to other stories with romantic elements that have gained an audience on BookTok? What factors do you think account for One Dark Window’s popularity?
• How did you feel about the novel’s ending? Did you find Elspeth’s decision to sacrifice herself to protect Ravyn and Elm a satisfying conclusion to her character arc? Why or why not?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Family is essential to Gillig’s worldbuilding and characters’ motives, but these family bonds are complicated by secrets, dangers, and the pressure to conform within the broader social structure: Elspeth is loyal to her maternal and paternal families but places them in danger because of her infection and her decision to join Ravyn’s team, and Ravyn feels trapped by his royal blood while striving to protect his brother. How did you feel about the novel’s depiction of family? Which relationships or moments resonated most with you and why?
• The Rowans maintain their corrupt rule by falsifying the Shepherd King’s history, but Elspeth’s connection to the Nightmare helps to preserve the truth. Why do you think it is important to preserve history? What key events have occurred in your own lifetime, and how do you bear witness?
• Sacrifice emerges as one of the main concepts of the book. The Shepherd King gives his life to create the Providence Cards, and Elspeth sacrifices herself to shield her allies at the end of the novel. Have you or someone you know had to make a sacrifice to achieve a goal or help someone you care about? What was the outcome?
• Over the course of the novel, Elspeth grows from a passive figure to a brave heroine. What are some experiences in your life that helped you build self-confidence?
• The royal family preserves its political dominance and manipulates Blunder’s citizenry through fearmongering. How do you maintain your sense of self and your values during times when you feel afraid?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• King Rowan weaponizes religion to legitimize violence against the infected, such as his propagandist interpretations of The Old Book of Alders. How does the novel offer a critique of the ways spirituality is used to other groups of people in contemporary society?
• The Rowans rewrite history to justify their political power over Blunder’s citizens. How might Elspeth’s efforts to preserve the truth resonate with audiences who have witnessed efforts to falsify history in the real world, such as Holocaust denial and distortion? 

4. Literary Analysis 

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• Trees are one of the novel’s most prominent symbols. From the literal forest that surrounds the kingdom to family trees, how does this symbol shape the world of Blunder in terms of its setting and themes?
• How does Gillig use the motif of colors to add suspense and develop characters’ relationships? How does the theme of family and (dis)loyalty reveal the characters’ true colors?
• Consider the Nightmare’s role as both an ally and an antagonist to Elspeth. How does he contribute to the protagonist’s development, and how does their complex relationship add to the story’s emotional impact?
• How does Gillig use language and perspective to create an atmosphere of suspense and danger? Identify examples of specific literary and narrative techniques that enhance the novel’s mood.

5. Creative Engagement 

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Design a few new Providence Cards. What magical abilities would they confer, and how might the characters utilize them?
• What hopes and predictions do you have for the second book in the Shepherd King duology? For example, do you think that Elspeth actually dies at the end of One Dark Window? If not, how might she return?

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