Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for The Story Collector by Evie Woods

1. What role do myths and legends play in The Story Collector?
2. Sarah's trip is in part inspired by the newspaper article about a freeway being routed around a hawthorn tree. She wonders, "Could this be possible, in this day and age?" Do you think such a thing is possible in today's world? How would you describe the role the hawthorn tree plays throughout the story?
3. To what extent do you feel the natural environment influences events? Do have specific scenes where you felt this was especially true?
4. What did you think about the various characters' reactions to folklore and superstition? Is there a superstition you adhere to?
5. Can you trace any symbolic elements in the story and their relevance to the plot?
6. How do you believe the narrative explores the concept of tradition against modern sensibilities?
7. What role does societal expectation play in shaping the actions of the characters?
8. Oran tells Sarah that "Grief is a dark labyrinth." What do you suppose he means? Do you agree? In what ways are loss, grief, and healing tackled within the narrative?
9. How does the author utilize the supernatural to enhance the overall theme of the story?
10. How do the shared stories and experiences within the narrative underline the universality of human experiences across different time periods?
11. What did you know about fairies before reading the book? Did your opinion of these creatures change by the novel's end?
12. Sarah "couldn't recall the last time she had done something so impulsive and purely for herself." Why do you feel this was true? What did you think of her decision to stay in Ireland? What was your biggest spur-of-the-moment decision, or the last time you did something just for yourself?
13. When Harold asks why Anna and her mother bring provisions to an elderly man, she replies that "he's our neighbour and he's old." What other acts of caring did you see in the book? Are there places where such neighborliness still exists, or is this a relic of the past? Do you think the people of some countries generally display more compassion for each other than others?
14. Sarah feels "A truly creative life demanded a kind of blind faith in signs, hints or nudges toward a certain direction." Later, she says, "Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." What's your take on these statements?
15. Harold wrote, "If we lose our stories…we lose ourselves." What do you think he meant? Do you feel he's correct? Why or why not?
16. Harold states that all the Celtic countries he's visited share the same beliefs, and he believes it's evidence that "there is a connection between the realm of the spirit and our natural world." Do you think that's true?
17. In addition to the two main couples, was there a minor character who really stood out to you? What about them was memorable?
18. Is there a quote you highlighted in the narrative? What about it did you like?
19. For what audience would you recommend this book? Are there other books you would recommend on the same subject?
20. Overall, what did you think of The Story Collector? (No spoilers)

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of HarperCollins Publishers. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.