Book Club Questions – The Alchemy Thief

1.     The author was inspired by her ancestors to write this story.  Have any stories about your ancestors inspired you?  Describe.

2.     After reading The Alchemy Thief, what would you love most about going back in time to 17th century New England/Morocco?  What would you hate the most?  Which aspects of that time and place do you wish remained true today?

3.     Peri met her ancestors, Hannah Mayhew Daggett and Governor Thomas Mayhew.  Whom among your own ancestors would you most like to meet?  Why?

4.     The author covered a diverse group of people both in modern and historical contexts.  Pick one of the groups (Wampanoag, Puritans, Salé Rovers, etc.).  What surprised you most about the way members of this group were depicted in the book? 

5.     Did you learn about any new aspects of history which were unfamiliar to you?  What did you find the most interesting?  

6.     How was romance viewed in the different cultures and times in the book?  During which time period/place would you most like to pursue a romantic relationship? Why?

7.     Do you think it would be more difficult for a modern man or a modern woman to adjust to life in the 17th century? Why?

8.     As a captive, Peri is given the choice of converting to a different religion to gain privileges.  Were you surprised by her choice?  Why did she decide the way she did? What would you have done?  Have you ever been pressured to change your values or beliefs or been threatened or persecuted because of them?  Explain.

9.     How soon did you realize that Liam was bad news?  What were the red flags? Why do you think Peri did not realize it?  Have you ever been in a relationship where you stayed too long or failed to recognize red flags?    

10.  As a child, Ayoub witnessed many atrocities.  How does this affect his behavior in the book?  Do you feel sympathy for him?  How can he ever escape the traumatic experiences of his past? 

11.  Which character in the Alchemy Thief would you most like to meet and why?

12.   In the book several festivals are described.  Describe your favorite festival you have attended and what meaning it had for you. What did you love about it?