Little Secrets

Sebastian Machado’s disappearance acts as the novel’s inciting event. How does Sebastian’s disappearance impact each of the primary characters? What internal conflicts does his kidnapping create for the characters, and why?

The third-person narration alternates between Marin Machado’s and McKenzie Li’s storylines. Explore the narrative and thematic effects of this formal choice. How do Marin’s and McKenzie’s points of view develop the novel’s explorations of Conflict and Loyalty in Intimate Relationships? How does the interplay of their storylines nuance each of their perspectives?

Explore the ways in which losing Sebastian changes how Marin sees herself and her life. How does her life change in the aftermath of Sebastian’s disappearance? Why does she blame herself, and how does her guilt influence her sense of self-worth?