Pieces of Her

How does Karin Slaughter use the dual narrative structure, moving between storylines in 2018 and 1986, to create tension? How does Jane’s (Laura’s) story inform and deepen Andy’s story?

Why does Jane become involved with Nick Harp, and how does her personal history inform their relationship? Why does she find it so difficult to break away from him?

Throughout the novel, Andy feels unlike her mother in terms of appearance and behavior. Is she as different from her mother as she thinks she is? What are some ways in which they are alike?

Discuss Slaughter’s use of American pop culture references, from The Doors to Charles Manson. How do these references enrich the text?

Laura Oliver/Jane Queller has an intimate relationship with music. How does this relationship change throughout her life? At the end of the novel, how does Laura reconnect to music, and how does this relationship reflect her newly exposed identity as Jane Queller?

Trace the slow reveal of Jane Queller’s true identity to the reader. Why did Slaughter choose to structure the narrative this way?

Analyze the character of Nick Harp. What is it about him that draws people to him and makes him such a compelling leader?

Discuss Slaughter’s exploration of the concept of “bad guys” and “good guys.” How does she illustrate the complexity of this idea, and what conclusions does the text draw?