1. Discuss the role that family secrets and family legends plays in THE FORBIDDEN GARDEN. Is it possible that the secrets of the past can still affect families generations later?

2. From the outset Graham Kirkwood says that the Shakespeare Garden is cursed. Do you think it’s actually possible for a place or thing to be ‘cursed’ or somehow tainted?

3. From the outside, the Kirkwood family appears perfect but the reality is somewhat different. How does the novel make use of the concept of appearance being different from the truth where it pertains to the Kirkwood and Sparrow families?

4. Graham Kirkwood originally approaches Sorrel by writing a letter. Why do you think someone would use such an old-fashioned method of communication in this day of emails, texts and even phone calls?

5. The Kirkwood family seems to have their own private language. How much of this do you think it’s used to keep strangers at a distance? How much of this is mere whimsy on their parts?

6. Andrew is a minister who seems to do some very unreligious things. Did this startle or upset you? Why or why not?

7. Graham sometimes seems to act in ways that is protective of his family but detrimental to others. Do you feel he is justified in his actions? Are there times when protecting one’s family at the expense of others is acceptable?

8. The Sparrow Sisters seem to have ties and ways of communicating that seem, at times, almost paranormal. Have you ever seen members of a family who are able to somehow communicate in these ways?

9. How do you think Andrew and Sorrel are going to live out their futures?

10. Is it possible for one’s faith to be restored by nature? By extension, can one be a person of religious faith who is also a person of science?