"The Immortalists" Discussion Questions

[Mitchell]

The Immortalists explores the degree to which we shape our own destinies. Do you believe that the siblings’ fate was preordained? Why or why not?

The book is narrated by the four siblings in separate sections. What was your reading experience when you switched sections? Did you identify more closely with certain siblings?

What do you think of the time jumps between the siblings? The author chooses not to pick up right away from the previous sections, why do you think this is?

Both the first and final sections are about the oldest sibling, Varya. What is the significance in having the oldest sibling both begin and end the story, but not have her present for a lot of the middle sections.

The power of belief --- whether it be magic, religious faith or storytelling --- is an important theme in the novel. How does belief affect each of the siblings? What is different or similar about the stories they tell themselves?

Discuss the siblings’ significant others: Raj, Mira and Robert. How are their lives affected by the prophecy? How do romantic and familial relationships interact and contrast?

What do you imagine happens to Varya after the book’s ending? How have her views on longevity and death changed?

Would you want to find out the date of your death? How would you live your life differently if you had this information?

Final thoughts? Would you recommend this read to friends or family? Another book club?