Under the Whispering Door

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Did you expect Wallace to cross over? Were you surprised when he became a reaper instead? What led you to your conclusions?
• What did you think about Klune’s concept of the afterlife? How does it compare or contrast with other fictional depictions of the afterlife?
• Klune draws from several different genres for her novel. What genre do you think Under the Whispering Door best fits into?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection 

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

• Have you ever felt conflicting emotions while grieving someone or something? Did you find Wallace’s experience with the various stages of grief realistic or relatable?
• What did you think of the Manager? Did you expect him to look or act like he did?
• Were you surprised to learn that the Husks still had humanity? What did you think of the plan the characters formed for helping all Husks cross over?
• Do you think all of the characters in the novel got what they deserved? Were you hoping for a different ending?
• What emotions did you feel while reading this novel? Were there any parts that made you more emotional than others?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

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

• How does Klune comment on contemporary outlooks on life, death, and the afterlife in the novel?
• Under the Whispering Door was published during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many felt lonely and helpless. How do you think this affected the reception of the novel and its themes?

4. Literary Analysis

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

• What do you think the whispering door told the Manager at the end of the novel? What do you think the whispers symbolized overall?
• Why was it significant that the novel was set in a tea shop? How would Wallace’s experience be different if the novel’s setting were changed?
• What do you think the Husks symbolized? How do they compare to or contrast with the other characters waiting to cross over?
• How do you think the story would have been told differently if it were told from Hugo’s perspective?

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• If you were given the job of a ferryperson, what would your home or business look like? Would it be a tea shop like the one owned by Hugo?
• How would you react if you suddenly found yourself in Wallace’s position at the beginning of the novel? Would you want to attend your own funeral?
• If Hugo were to make you a cup of tea, what do you think it would taste like or remind you of?

Need more inspiration for your next meeting? Browse all of our Book Club Resources.