The Fair Folk of Mullarkey Discussion Questions
Because The Fair Folk of Mullarkey books sit at a crossroads of women’s fiction and feel-good cozy fantasy, they are great reading suggestions for book clubs. With themes of overcoming grief and self-empowerment, the books have fertile ground for discussions.
If you belong to a book club and would like to feature Black Annis Year or Hallow Crossing as a reading selection, here are some questions to get lead your group discussions.
Also, I love to hear about my books out in the wild. If you feature any of the Fair Folk of Mullarkey books in your discussion groups, CONTACT ME, to let me know. Depending on the size of the group and my current stock, I may be able to provide swag or signed book plates.
General Questions for The Fair Folk of Mullarkey Series
Lore: How do the stories reinterpret traditional fae lore?
Casting Call: If this books were movies, who would you cast in the leading roles?
Initial Reactions: What surprised you the most about the book? What was your favorite part?
Themes: What do you believe were the central themes, and how well did the author explore them?
Characters: Who was your favorite or least favorite character, and why? Did any characters feel particularly believable?
Setting: How does the town of Mullarkey Mills act as a character in the stories? Would you like to live there?
Questions for Black Annis Year
In what way does the wind phone help Elenna grieve for Jamie?
How does grief influence the choices Elenna makes? Do you agree with her decisions?
How does Elenna’s understanding of Black Annis evolve over the course of the story?
What internal conflicts drives Elenna’s decisions, and how do those conflicts mirror the external threat?
Which secondary character had the greatest impact on the story, and why?
Why do you think stories like Black Annis persist across generations? What cultural fears do they reflect?
How does Black Annis’s story arc reflect Elenna’s transition from grief to hope?
What do you think about Elenna’s solution for dealing with Black Annis?
How does knowing that Sadie was a real-life horse affect your view of the story?
In the blurb for Black Annis Year, it says “an old plow horse teaches her to hold onto joy.” How do you think Sadie’s story affects Elenna?
Questions for Hallow Crossing
Joelle begins the story emotionally frayed and withdrawn. How does her year spent renovating the inn reshape her sense of self?
Penny’s absence—and presence—drives the plot. How did your perception of her change as the story unfolded?
How does the way Oscar perceive Joelle differ from her own self perception?
The idea of “crossing” appears in multiple ways—physical, emotional, and supernatural. What does crossing mean in the context of the novel?
How are fairies and ghosts similar in Hallow Crossing. How are they different?
What role does memory play in the story? Are memories portrayed as reliable, dangerous, or something else?
If you were in Joelle’s place, would you have followed Penny’s final request?
How does the Tale of Oisin affect the story?
Why does Oscar want to escape the gilded cage of his mother's court? Do you think he has good reason?