Book Club
All We Keep Buried Discussion Questions
The title All We Keep Buried can have many meanings. By the end of the novel, what do you think is truly being "buried"—memories, guilt, secrets, relationships, or something else?
How did your opinions of the main characters change as the story unfolded? Was there someone you sympathized with more than you expected?
Several characters are forced to confront painful truths about themselves or those they love. Which revelation affected you the most, and why?
If you were the mother in this story, would you forgive?
The novel asks whether knowing the truth is always worth the cost. Do you think every secret should eventually come to light, or are some better left buried?
Family loyalty plays an important role throughout the story. When should loyalty give way to honesty? Have you ever faced a situation where those values conflicted?
Did the story change your perspective on forgiveness? Is forgiveness something that must be earned, or can it exist even without justice?
Looking back after finishing the novel, were there clues or moments that took on a different meaning in hindsight? Which ones stood out to you?
If you could ask one character a single question after the final chapter, who would it be, and what would you ask?
Which relationship in the novel felt the most authentic or emotionally compelling? Why did it resonate with you?
What emotions stayed with you after you closed the book? What do you think the novel ultimately says about the things people carry—and the things they try to bury?
Somebody Knows Discussion Questions
What did you like best about this book?
As the protagonist, what is it that Audrey wants the most?
What does the antagonist want the most?
Which characters did you like the most? Least? Why?
What do you think the author’s purpose was in writing this book?
What beliefs existed in society then that you don’t think are relevant today?
What do you believe is the significance of the late 1940s setting?
How would you describe the children’s relationship with their father Red?
Can you understand or relate to Edith’s motivation?
Discuss your reaction to Edith’s mental state.
What feelings did this book evoke for you? Why?
What is the significance of the Indian Trail Tree? The ice pick? Can you name other symbols?
What symbolic role does Mrs. Somebody play in the novel? Mr. Ritter?
Discuss the author’s hints about characters with red hair.
Describe your feelings about Harry and how they grew or changed in the novel.
What twists or big reveals surprised you in the novel?
What themes did you pick out? How were themes demonstrated?
If you got the chance to ask the author of this book one question, what would it be?
Share a favorite scene or quote from the book. Why did this stand out to you?
What do you think of the book’s title? How does it relate to the book’s contents?
What other title for Somebody Knows might you choose?
If you could hear this same story from another person’s point of view, who would you choose?
Were you satisfied with the ending?
What was left unresolved that you're contemplating?