The Wind Knows My Name

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Discuss your overall impressions of The Wind Knows My Name. What aspects of the book did you like most and least?
• How does this novel compare to others you’ve read by Isabel Allende or to similar novels by other authors?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

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

• Explore connections between your life and the experiences of the characters, especially in any part of the novel that evoked a strong emotional response (for example, the discovery of the mass grave on Carlos Gómez’s property, Mr. Rick’s treatment of Anita, or Frank’s objectification of Selena).
• Discuss how the themes of The Wind Knows My Name (which concern the tendency to deny and thus perpetrate atrocities, finding strength in families, and the gendered differences in violent oppression) relate to your personal views or experiences.
• Allende illustrates how all women remain vulnerable when society doesn’t address crimes against them. Have you seen evidence of this in your life? If so, how did it manifest?
• The efforts of women like Selena and Doña Eduvigis highlight how dedicated individuals can bring about change. Discuss your experience of leading, participating in, or witnessing such efforts.