Reading Group Guide
Discussion Questions
The Next Mrs. Parrish
1. THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH explores a number of themes, including wealth and privilege, identity, manipulation, deception and revenge. Which themes resonated with you the most? Were there any specific moments or passages that stood out in exploring these themes?
2. Let’s delve into the characters of Daphne, Amber, Daisy Ann and Jackson. What motivated each character in THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH? How did their relationships shift and evolve as the story progressed? Were there any unexpected alliances formed among them?
3. How did Daphne’s knowledge of Jackson’s true nature influence the events and dynamics between the characters?
4. How did the narrative structure of the book --- shifting between Daphne, Amber and Daisy Ann’s perspectives --- shape your understanding of the characters and their motivations?
5. Consider the theme of manipulation and its consequences. How do characters like Amber and Daphne manipulate others to achieve their desires? What are the repercussions of their manipulations, both for themselves and the people around them?
6. How does the setting of the Bishops Harbor community and its social hierarchy contribute to the plot? Explore the impact of the environment on the characters’ motivations and decisions.
7. Explore the concept of sacrifice in the book. Which characters make sacrifices for the sake of others, and how does this impact their relationships and personal growth?
8. Analyze the concept of justice in the novel. Do the characters receive the justice they deserve by the end? How does the exploration of justice contribute to the overall message of the story?
9. How do the secondary characters like Meredith, Mason and the residents of Bishops Harbor add depth to the story and influence the main characters’ arcs?
10. How do the characters’ roles as parents impact their actions, decisions and relationships with each other, considering that the children serve as the connecting elements between Daphne, Amber and Jackson? Discuss the portrayal of parental relationships and the influence of family dynamics throughout the novel.
11. How did you feel about the book’s ending? Did it satisfy you, or were there aspects that left you wanting more? Discuss your interpretation of the final events.
12. Reflecting on the themes and events of the novel, how does THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH comment on the darker aspects of human nature? What insights or messages did you take away from the book?
The Next Mrs. Parrish
- Publication Date: June 18, 2024
- Genres: Fiction, Psychological Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Thriller
- Hardcover: 336 pages
- Publisher: Bantam
- ISBN-10: 0593599926
- ISBN-13: 9780593599921