- What was your impressions of Mariana? How did the tragedies in her life shape who she is and how she approached relationships? Why was hosting group therapy sessions the right outlet for her?
- There’s a huge emphasis on Greek Mythology and particularly Persephone. Why were many of the characters so focused on Persephone?
- Mariana blamed the death of Sebastian on Persephone. Why was it easier for her to blame the death on the supernatural as opposed to the randomness of the accident?
- Mariana’s niece Zoe calls her in a panic when her friend goes missing who we later find out is murdered. Mariana suspects that the Greek Tragedy professor Fosca is behind the murders. Did you think Fosca had something to do with it or did you believe he was innocent?
- What would you have done if you were in Mariana’s situation?
- What did you make of the secret society of female students known as The Maidens? Was it an act of power control for Fosca?
- Did you have any suspicions about Zoe being involved with the murders or were you surprised at that twist?
- What about the big twist that Zoe and Sebastian had an affair? What are your thoughts on this disturbing revelation?
- We find out that the letters from the killer’s point of view were from Sebastian writing to Zoe. Why do you think this was included?
- There’s some mentioning on how one’s childhood directly impacts how they are as an adult. So a child full of trauma may lash out as an adult. Was that a reasoning behind Sebastian and Zoe’s actions?
- While Zoe murdered the women, Sebastian was the mastermind behind it all. Is Zoe a victim, complicit or a mixture of both?
- What role did Fred serve in this story?
- If you read The Silent Patient, did you notice the appearance of Theo?
- What happens next for Mariana? Is she going to try to maintain a relationship with Zoe? Will she stay in contact with Fred?
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
More discussion at bookclubchat.com. These questions contain major spoilers.