We’ve been featuring Wildwing, the new book by Emily Whitman, all this week here at Novel Novice. But we also want to spend some time today talking about her other book, Radiant Darkness — a new spin on the tale of Persephone from Greek mythology. First, we want you to read the synopsis (below) to get an idea what Radiant Darkness is all about — then scroll down to check out the discussion questions & classroom ideas for the book!
Persephone lives in the most gorgeous place in the world. But her mother’s a goddess, as overprotective as she is powerful. Paradise has become a trap. Just when Persephone feels there’s no chance of escaping the life that’s been planned for her, a mysterious stranger arrives. A stranger who promises something more—something dangerous and exciting—something that spurs Persephone to make a daring choice. A choice that could destroy all she’s come to love, even the earth itself.
In a land where a singing river can make you forget your very name, Persephone is forced to discover who—and what—she really is.
Radiant Darkness Discussion Questions
- Which of Persephone’s relationships do you think has the greatest impact on her? Which resonates the most with you?
- If you were Persephone, would you have told Melita your true identity? When?
- How do secrets affect a friendship? What can make it hard to tell a person who you really are?
- Is there a difference between Persephone’s lack of openness with her friends in the vale, with her mother, with Melita? How do those choices relate to her reluctance to press Hades for information? When is it wise to keep things to yourself, and when is it cowardly? What finally makes Persephone brave enough to speak her truth out loud?
- What do you think would have happened if Persephone had spoken with her mother about Hades before running off?
- To what extent do you think Demeter is justified in her actions?
- What is the role of nature in the book?
- How and why does Persephone find her power?
- What is the usual relationship between gods and mortals in this society? How, and why, does Persephone’s view of this relationship change over the course of the book? How does this relate to Persephone’s role, in Greek mythology, as a link between the underworld and the earth?
- What is Radiant Darkness saying about the way we view life and death?
- Who was responsible for the drought and famine?
- What “supporting roles” did you enjoy most in the book, and why? Hermes, Charon, Cerberus, Kallirhoe, Admete, Ianthe, Zeus, the sculptor, Thanatos, etc.
- Imagine a scene where Persephone goes back to visit her friends in the vale, after all she’s been through. What happens?
- The book changes things from the original myth–why? Is that legitimate? Is it still the myth if it’s changed?
- Why is the book called Radiant Darkness?
Novel Novice 
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