The Soulmate: A Novel

To what extent do you think the novel supports or challenges the view that mothers are responsible for their children’s future happiness?

How does Hepworth use issues of social class and wealth in The Soulmate to explore her characters’ motivations, feelings, and behavior?

Analyze how the novel presents and critiques the concept of the “hero” as an ideal, especially in relation to gender.

The Soulmate is a domestic thriller. Consider how the concept of the house is used in the novel to create the characteristic elements of this genre, focusing on Hepworth’s use of language, especially imagery, tone, and foreshadowing.

Who or what takes the antagonistic role in the novel? Does this role shift or stay static? How does this shape the novel’s narrative arc as a thriller?

How does the novel present physical and emotional abuse and the roles and responsibilities of perpetrators and victims?

There is a high occurrence of suicide in The Soulmate. What position does the novel take in relation to suicide, and how does this relate to its wider consideration of personal self-determinism?

Select a section of The Soulmate that covers both points of view and timelines and use close analysis to show how these are structured to build tension and suspense.