The Witch Elm

Toby recognizes a rude, hostile nature in his nephew, Zach. Examine Toby’s, Susanna’s, and Leon’s commentaries on nature and nurture, and how they believe certain parts of themselves are innate. Is Zach’s temperament a product of nature or nurture? Why?

During Detective Mike Rafferty and Toby’s final scene together, Rafferty lures a stray cat into the garden with food and tells Toby the cat can be useful. How does this exchange symbolize Rafferty’s power dynamic as a detective? Does Rafferty qualify as a good detective? Why or why not?

Scents and their ability to trigger memories comprise a significant portion of the novel’s descriptions. Why did Tana French make this stylistic choice? How does this choice magnify the underlying themes of the novel?

Toby exhibits significant change as the novel progresses, transitioning from feeling innocent in Dominic’s murder to believing he killed Dominic. How else might Toby be culpable for the novel’s outcomes (for example, Tiernan’s termination, Hugo’s death, etc.)?

Toby’s beliefs and self-awareness shift when Susanna plants false memories in his mind. How does memory shape identity? How much of our identities depend on our younger selves?

The release of The Witch Elm in 2018 coincided with the peak of the #MeToo movement. In what ways is the novel relevant to this movement?

What purpose does Melissa serve? Imagine if she narrated The Witch Elm. How might Melissa’s perspective influence a reader’s judgment of Toby?

Susanna feels empowered after killing Dominic, though she doesn’t believe doing so changed her identity. Is Dominic’s murder justifiable? Why or why not? Why does Susanna believe she is innately ruthless?