Series: The Witcher #0.5
Published by Orbit on July 18, 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Fairytale Retelling, Short Stories
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback
Geralt of Rivia is a witcher. A cunning sorcerer. A merciless assassin.
And a cold-blooded killer.
His sole purpose: to destroy the monsters that plague the world.
But not everything monstrous-looking is evil and not everything fair is good. . . and in every fairy tale lies a grain of truth.
Discussion Guide
- Geralt kills some men, but not others. He kills some monsters, but not others. What does this tell us about his character? His moral code?
- What commentary does Sapkowski make on the monsters of society?
- “The Lesser Evil” explores the impossible choices we have to make. Is there such thing as a lesser evil? If so, how do we recognize it?
- Do you agree with Geralt’s choice of “the lesser evil” in Blaviken?
- In “Chapter 5: The Voice of Reason,” Geralt says, “Civilization. What the hell do they need a witcher here for? When I ask after employment, they look at me as if I’m a freak.” He adds, “The world is changing. Something’s coming to an end.” Over time, as humanity spread its hold on the world, the need for witchers has diminished. How has witchers’ work changed over time? Is progress always a good thing? Why or why not?
- In “The Edge of the World,” Geralt says, “People . . . like to invent monsters and monstrosities. Then they seem less monstrous themselves.” He adds, “They feel better then. They find it easier to live.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
- How does Sapkowski retell fairytales and other well-known stories? What commentary does he make through these twisted fairytales?
- Geralt decides to confront the deoval because he cannot resist the “temptation of having a look at something that doesn’t exist.” What is the human fascination with the unknown? How do you see yourself pursuing something that doesn’t exist?
- In “The Last Wish,” Geralt notes that sorceresses become attractive because the prestige of their profession demands it; the result is pseudo-pretty women “who couldn’t forget their ugliness had been covered by the mask of magic.” What commentary does this make on beauty and society?
- What do you think was Geralt’s last wish? Why do you think he uses it the way he does?
- Humans are portrayed as hating anything that differs from them. That’s why humans took their elves’ land from them; that’s why they discriminate against dwarves. How do racial tensions in The Last Wish mirror the tensions in our society? What possible solutions do the people in The Last Wish offer?
- Describe the various ways “monsters” respond to a world increasingly dominated by human civilization? How does this mirror our world?
- Witchers do hard work for little gain. Who are the witchers of our society? What does the treatment of witchers tell us about the double standards of society (See Chapter Seven: Voice of Reason)?
- What is the voice of reason? Is the voice of reason truly, or always, reasonable? On whose side do you find the voice of reason? (It may help to pick one story to discuss this question Suggested story: “The Lesser Evil.”)
Related: Read my review of The Last Wish.
Molly @ Molly's Book Nook says
I haven’t read this yet (though I did read the first 20 or so pages a while ago) but I have played the game! In fact, my husband is playing it right now as I type this lol. I like the discussion guide, though! I really need to read this!
Crystal (Kester) says
It’s neat that you’ve played the game; I’ve heard great things about it! I’m glad that you like the discussion guide, and I hope you enjoy The Last Wish!
Lindsi says
Interesting! I don’t know if this would be a great fit for me, but I love the idea of a discussion guide while reading a book. 🙂
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
Crystal (Kester) says
Discussions with book clubs and buddy readers make reading a book so much fun! 🙂
Ethan says
A work friend is reading this now and is totally into it. I’ve added it to my list based on his reaction alone, but it might be fun to read and use this discussion guide with him!
Crystal (Kester) says
It’s fantastic. Discussions make reading a book so much fun. I’ve enjoyed my book club and buddy reads! I hope you get the chance to discuss these questions!