The Lie Tree - Discussion Questions

1. Why does Faith’s family move to the island of Vane?
2. At the beginning of The Lie Tree, what is the first detail to show that Faith has a very curiosity character?
3. How do you think the setting of the island of Vane adds to the atmosphere of the story?
4. Who are the members of Faith’s family?
5. Why do you think Faith feels a connection with her father’s snake?
6. What happened to Faith’s father?
7. What makes Faith think her father is murdered?   
8. How does Faith know about the lie tree?
9. What is Faith’s first lie? How does Faith spread it?
10. Discuss the ripple effect of the lies that Faith tells. Which do you think has the biggest impact?
11. In what ways do you think Faith is similar to her father? In what ways is she different?
12. Discuss the conflict between religion and science in The Lie Tree.
13. ‘A girl cannot be brave, or clever, or skilled as a boy can. If she is not good, she is nothing. Do you understand?’ (Erasmus) Discuss the ways in which Faith and other female characters face prejudice because of their gender.
14. Were you surprised by the identity of the murderers?
15. Do you like the ending of the book? If you were the author, how would you end the story?
16. If you had a Lie Tree in your possession, what would you do?
17. Are there mysteries that remain unexplained at the end of the novel?
18. How does this novel differ from other fantasy books you have read?