A Great and Terrible Beauty

The setup may interest readers who enjoy eerie historical mysteries, supernatural questions and characters negotiating a new school community; the trilogy framing suggests Gemma’s story continues beyond this book.

Gemma’s mother has died by suicide before the story begins, and Gemma is described as lonely and guilt-ridden. These bereavement and emotional themes may merit a check-in.

How do you think Gemma’s visions affect the way she understands what is happening around her, and what would you want to know about them?

If the bereavement feels close to home, consider checking in before or during reading; the story begins after Gemma’s mother’s suicide, so the topic is present from the outset.