SuitabookThe Diviners
Libba Bray
- Reading
- If continuing, pause after frightening scenes to discuss historical language, supernatural beliefs and how characters respond to danger.
- Themes
- Rebellion and responsibility: Evie is sent to New York as punishment for mischief and is described as rebellious and ambitious before becoming involved in the murder investigation. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- History, prejudice and belief: The novel uses Prohibition-era New York and discusses racism, anti-immigrant fervour, folklore, witchcraft, voodoo and other dark beliefs. Its historical framing may invite discussion of how prejudice and belief systems shape a period setting, though the treatment of each belief is not fully clear.
- Community against danger: Characters touched by supernatural gifts try to work together to find an occult serial killer. The premise foregrounds collective action in response to danger, but it is not clear how relationships or teamwork develop across the story.
- Worth knowing
- Give particular thought to the book’s ritualistic murders, supernatural beliefs, drinking, smoking, occasional strong language, racist historical terms, romantic material and references to same-sex relationships.