The Good Sister

Fern considers Rose her “person.” Why do you think Fern is so reliant on Rose? Does Rose play a part in creating this reliance?

Wally tells Fern she is normal and that “it’s everyone else who are weirdos.” Discuss what Wally means by this statement.

Fern’s and Rose’s names provide important clues about their characters and journeys. Explore this idea using textual and online research.

Who is the good sister of the title and why?

Fern notes that the relationship between sisters is both “sunshine and lollipops. Blood and guts.” Use instances from the novel to show how Fern and Rose’s relationship embraces both these extremes.

The library plays an important role in the text. Discuss the library’s literal and symbolic value for Fern.

Research another novel, movie, or other narrative featuring sisters or twins. Compare and contrast with The Good Sister.

Sally Hepworth’s work is classified in the domestic thriller genre. Having read The Good Sister, why do you think this is the case? How does the domestic thriller genre differ (or doesn’t) from the mainstream thriller genre?