Satan's Affair

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Pick a moment from the book that shocked you (or that you think would be most shocking to the average reader). What details stand out to you? What is shocking about this moment, and how do the characters react to it?

2. Satan’s Affair is essentially a book about revenge and vigilantism. How do you feel about Sibby’s view of good and evil? Do you agree with Sibby that vigilantism is needed, or with Rosie, who rejects the idea of vigilantism entirely?

3. While Sibby’s life is extraordinary, her basic conflict of loneliness and trauma can be relatable in a multitude of ways. Imagine a time when you felt lonely or hurt. Can you see yourself creating a fantasy or delusion for comfort?

4. A critical element of Satan’s Affair is the perception of the world as a dangerous place filled with “demons” who want to hurt innocent people. Does this reflect your view of the world? Why or why not? Are Sibby and Zade aware of something that most people might ignore?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Child trafficking and abuse are significant contemporary issues. How does Satan’s Affair address this issue? Is Sibby’s response to her own experiences appropriate? What does Sibby’s story tell us about the pains of child abuse?

2. The novel takes place almost entirely in the confines of Satan’s Affair. How does this setting impact Sibby’s character? How did the setting change how you imagined the scenes and events of the novel?

3. One of the novel’s themes is the supernatural existence of good and evil. Do you believe, as Glenda says, that there are layers to the world that are only seen by some people? Is “evil” a thing that exists, and can anyone do anything about “evil” people or events?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The narrative of the story is punctuated by flashbacks that reveal key details about Sibby’s past. Why is this narrative more effective than simply telling the events in order, beginning with Sibby’s childhood, leading to her time at Satan’s Affair, and ending in the mental health facility?

2. Sibby and Zade are unique characters that reflect the themes and stories that Carlton wants to tell. In what ways are these characters believable or relatable? Can you imagine meeting either character in real life? Why or why not?

3. In addition to The Ethics of Vigilantism, The Allure of Moral Certainty, and The Impact of Trauma on Psychology and Sexuality, what other themes did you note in the text? What symbols, motifs, or literary devices support the theme you noted, and how?