1. Even though Isabelle’s mother is dead before the story starts, she still maintains a strong presence as a character in the book. How did her presence affect your perception of Isabelle in the present?
2. At what point in the book did you start to distrust Henry, and what were the biggest “red flags”? What advice would you have given to Isabelle in that circumstance?
3. The raven is a commonly used archetype throughout literature and folklore; discuss any potential impact that had on your reading experience.
4. Discuss the main themes of the novel. Which did you find most thought provoking?
5. Weary’s motives are often unclear; at what point did you know Weary was a trustworthy character? At what point did you have the most doubt?
6. Discuss the significance of the title as it relates to both Isabelle and Weary.
7. Though he is not a fully developed character, Edgar Allan Poe is referenced many times throughout the story, and his work adds layers of depth to Henry and Weary. How do you think the story would be different if Poe was replaced by Robert Louis Stevenson or H. G. Wells?
8. Who is your favorite character? Why?
9. What’s Become of Her alternates between Isabelle’s and Weary’s points of view; in your opinion, how did this enhance the story? How would the story have differed with only one narrator?
10. Isabelle processes anger in many different ways throughout the novel; discuss which ways were effective, and which were destructive.
11. Discuss the significance of the closing scene. What were your primary emotions as you turned the final page?
12. In chapter 16, Weary discusses how he is perceived by the people in his neighborhood in New Caledonia; did their perceptions match yours? How did these rumors alter your opinion of Weary?
13. As Isabelle and Henry’s relationship progresses, his jealous side becomes more and more apparent. Isabelle reflects, “Maybe all men have a jealous streak. Do they? She has no idea. Jealous streak—it sounds almost fashionable, like those people with black hair with a swath of white in front.” What does this line of thinking tell us about Isabelle? About Henry?
14. In the final chapter, Isabelle “feels like she could tell the story a thousand times, and it wouldn’t be enough.” What do you think she means?
15. Who would you cast to play each character in a movie of What’s Become of Her? Why?