The Suffering
#2 of 2 in The Girl from the Well Series
on Goodreads (4,802)
What’s inside...
The Suffering is a suspenseful and creepy companion to The Girl from the Well, perfect for fans of spooky books, Japanese occult, and horror novels. It follows Seventeen-year-old Tark, who has been groomed by the restless spirit Okiku to destroy the wicked. When they are pulled into Japan's suicide forest, Aokigahara, the lines of justice blur and Tark faces dire consequences. With echoes of Stephen King and rich in Japanese culture, The Suffering offers a blend of ghost exorcism, adventure, romance, and drama, making it an exciting and unforgettable drama.
Character compass
Tarquin Halloway
Kagura Obinata
Okiku
Okiku/The Girl in White
Discussion points
How do you think Tark handled his fears throughout the story and what can you learn from his bravery?
What are your thoughts about the relationship between Tark and Okiku? How do they help each other grow?
If you were in Tark's situation, what would you have done differently and why?
How do the themes of friendship and loyalty in the story compare to your own experiences?
What feelings did you experience while reading about the supernatural elements? Did they change as the story progressed?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book, setting a comfortable tone for an open discussion.
Encourage your child to express both positive and challenging aspects they noticed in the story, promoting a balanced view.
Ask your child to relate situations from the book with personal experiences to deepen their understanding of the characters' actions and decisions.
Highlight the cultural aspects presented in the book and discuss any new cultural learnings your child might have gathered.
Use the supernatural elements as a fun topic to explore imagination and creative thinking, asking your child how they might imagine a ghost story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: In 'The Suffering', the characters encounter various challenges but consistently demonstrate the power of resilience in overcoming terrifying and difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persevering through their own challenges, whether they're dealing with a tough subject in school or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting cultural differences
Explanation: The storyline integrates diverse cultural elements that enhance the narrative, making it a rich source of learning about different cultural backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This helps children appreciate and respect people from various cultures in their community, fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey includes confronting fearsome supernatural entities, which serves as a metaphor for facing one's fears in life.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that facing their fears, no matter how big or small, is a part of life and overcoming them can lead to personal growth and strength.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: The characters in 'The Suffering' rely on each other’s strengths and support to navigate their eerie adventures, showcasing the strength found in unity and friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building strong, supportive relationships and how teamwork can help overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Accountability for actions
Explanation: Through the plot, characters learn that their actions, good or bad, have consequences that they must face, teaching accountability.
Real-World Application: This prepares children to take responsibility for their actions and understand the impact they can have on others.