What is Things We Do in the Dark about?

• A woman's past resurfaces: The story centers on Paris Peralta, a woman arrested for the murder of her celebrity husband, Jimmy. Her carefully constructed new life is threatened as secrets from her past begin to surface.
• A web of lies and deceit: The narrative explores themes of identity, trauma, and the consequences of past actions. Paris must navigate a complex web of lies, blackmail, and public scrutiny as she fights to prove her innocence.
• A journey of self-discovery: The novel follows Paris's journey as she confronts her past, grapples with her true identity, and seeks redemption. It's a story about survival, guilt, and the possibility of a fresh start.

Why should I read Things We Do in the Dark?

• Intricate plot and suspense: The novel offers a compelling mystery with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and guessing until the very end. The narrative is skillfully crafted, blending suspense with emotional depth.
• Complex and flawed characters: The characters are multi-dimensional, with their own motivations and secrets. The exploration of their psychological complexities adds layers to the story, making it more than just a thriller.
• Exploration of dark themes: The book delves into dark themes such as trauma, abuse, and the consequences of violence. It explores the complexities of human nature and the lengths people will go to protect themselves.

What is the background of Things We Do in the Dark?

• Contemporary setting in Seattle: The story is set in present-day Seattle, a city known for its tech industry and vibrant culture. The setting provides a backdrop for the story's themes of reinvention and the pursuit of a new life.
• Focus on celebrity culture: The novel explores the impact of fame and public perception, particularly through the character of Jimmy Peralta, a retired comedian. The media frenzy surrounding his death adds to the tension and complexity of the plot.
• Exploration of trauma and abuse: The story delves into the long-term effects of childhood trauma and abuse, particularly through the character of Paris. Her past experiences shape her present actions and motivations.

What are the most memorable quotes in Things We Do in the Dark?

• "There's a time and a place for erect nipples, but the back of a Seattle police car definitely isn't it.": This opening line immediately establishes the dark humor and unexpected situations that define the novel. It also highlights Paris's initial shock and vulnerability.
• "Karma has come for her.": This quote reflects Paris's belief that her past actions are catching up to her. It underscores the theme of consequences and the inescapability of one's past.
• "You can run all the way from Toronto, away from the dead bodies and into a whole new life with a whole new name, and it still doesn't matter. Because while you can reinvent yourself, you can't outrun yourself.": This quote encapsulates the central theme of the novel, highlighting the struggle to escape one's past and the internal battles that persist despite external changes.

What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Jennifer Hillier use?

• Dual timelines and perspectives: Hillier employs a non-linear narrative, weaving together past and present events to reveal the complexities of Paris's life. This technique builds suspense and allows for a deeper understanding of her character.
• First-person perspective: The story is primarily told from Paris's point of view, which allows readers to experience her thoughts, emotions, and internal struggles. This creates a sense of intimacy and empathy for her character.
• Foreshadowing and red herrings: Hillier uses subtle foreshadowing and misdirection to keep readers guessing. Seemingly minor details gain significance later, adding layers to the mystery and enhancing the suspense.

Hidden Details & Subtle Connections

What are some minor details that add significant meaning?

• The pink ostrich feather slippers: Initially presented as a frivolous gift, the slippers become a symbol of Paris's perceived wealth and entitlement, playing into the media's narrative of her as a gold-digger. They also highlight her attempt to fit into a life that isn't truly hers.
• Jimmy's collection of straight razors: These razors, initially presented as a quirky hobby, become a central element in the mystery surrounding his death. The specific razor he used, a gift from Elsie, adds a layer of complexity to their relationship.
• The recurring mention of the song "Free Bird": This song, played on Jimmy's old boombox, becomes a symbol of his past and his struggle with addiction. It also foreshadows the themes of freedom and escape that are central to the story.

What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?

• Paris's past trauma: The novel subtly hints at Paris's past trauma through her disassociation and her knowledge of self-defense. These details foreshadow the revelation of her true identity and the violence she has experienced.
• The mention of a previous suicide attempt by Jimmy: This detail, revealed later in the story, foreshadows the possibility that his death was not a murder. It also adds depth to his character and his struggles with mental health.
• The description of the house on Acorn Street: The details about the house's poor condition and the dangerous fireplace foreshadow the tragic events that occurred there. It also highlights the stark contrast between Paris's past and present lives.

What are some unexpected character connections?

• Elsie and Jimmy's past relationship: The revelation that Elsie and Jimmy were high school sweethearts adds a layer of complexity to their friendship and Elsie's initial suspicion of Paris. It also explains her deep loyalty to Jimmy.
• Drew and Joey's shared history: The fact that Drew and Joey were not just friends but also roommates and had a deeper connection adds emotional weight to their reunion. It also highlights the impact of their past on their present lives.
• Zoe's connection to Jimmy's past: Zoe's long history with Jimmy, and her knowledge of his struggles, makes her a more complex character than initially presented. It also raises questions about her true motivations and her role in his death.

Who are the most significant supporting characters?

• Elsie Dixon: As Jimmy's best friend and lawyer, Elsie plays a crucial role in the story. Her initial suspicion of Paris and her eventual support highlight the complexities of loyalty and friendship. Her own history with Jimmy adds depth to her character.
• Henry Chu: As Paris's business partner and friend, Henry provides emotional support and a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. His loyalty and unwavering belief in Paris make him a significant figure in her life.
• Zoe Moffatt: As Jimmy's assistant, Zoe's actions and accusations drive the plot forward. Her complex relationship with Jimmy and her own motivations make her a significant supporting character.

Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis

What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?

• Paris's desire for anonymity: Paris's primary motivation is to protect her new identity and escape her past. Her actions are driven by a deep-seated fear of exposure and a desire for a peaceful life.
• Elsie's possessiveness of Jimmy: Elsie's actions are driven by a deep-seated possessiveness of Jimmy and a resentment of anyone who threatens her place in his life. Her jealousy and desire to protect him ultimately lead to his death.
• Zoe's ambition and loyalty: Zoe's motivations are complex, driven by a desire to see Jimmy succeed and a need to secure her own future. Her actions are a mix of loyalty and self-preservation.

What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?

• Paris's disassociation: Paris's use of disassociation as a coping mechanism highlights the long-term effects of trauma. Her struggle to stay present and connected to her emotions adds depth to her character.
• Jimmy's addiction and depression: Jimmy's struggles with addiction and depression reveal the complexities of his character. His attempts to reinvent himself are constantly undermined by his past demons.
• Ruby's manipulative nature: Ruby's manipulative and controlling behavior stems from her own traumatic past. Her inability to take responsibility for her actions highlights her psychological complexities.

What are the major emotional turning points?

• Paris's discovery of Jimmy's body: This event triggers a series of emotional responses, including shock, grief, and fear. It sets the stage for the rest of the story and forces Paris to confront her past.
• The arrival of the blackmail letter: This event forces Paris to confront her past and the life she left behind. It triggers a sense of panic and desperation, as she realizes her carefully constructed new identity is at risk.
• Paris's confession to Drew: This moment of vulnerability allows Paris to finally share her deepest secrets and fears. It marks a turning point in her journey toward healing and self-acceptance.

How do relationship dynamics evolve?

• Paris and Jimmy's unconventional marriage: Their relationship is characterized by mutual respect and understanding, but also by a lack of deep emotional intimacy. The age gap and their separate bedrooms highlight the unconventional nature of their bond.
• Paris and Elsie's strained friendship: Their relationship is marked by suspicion and jealousy, but also by a shared love for Jimmy. Their interactions reveal the complexities of female friendships and the challenges of navigating shared history.
• Paris and Drew's complicated past: Their relationship is marked by a deep connection and a shared history, but also by unresolved conflicts and unspoken feelings. Their reunion forces them to confront their past and consider the possibility of a future together.

Interpretation & Debate

Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?

• The true nature of Jimmy's death: While the official cause of death is ruled undetermined, the novel leaves open the question of whether Jimmy's death was truly a suicide or an accident. The ambiguity surrounding his death adds to the complexity of the story.
• The extent of Zoe's involvement: While Zoe is not directly implicated in Jimmy's death, her actions and motivations remain somewhat ambiguous. The novel leaves open the possibility that she may have played a more significant role than initially revealed.
• The future of Paris and Drew's relationship: The novel ends with a sense of hope for Paris's future, but the exact nature of her relationship with Drew remains open-ended. The possibility of a romantic relationship is hinted at, but not fully resolved.

What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in Things We Do in the Dark?

• Paris's decision to fake her death: Paris's decision to fake her death and assume a new identity is a controversial one, raising questions about morality and the lengths people will go to protect themselves.
• The portrayal of Ruby Reyes: The novel presents Ruby as a complex and flawed character, raising questions about the nature of good and evil. Her actions and motivations are open to interpretation, sparking debate about her culpability.
• The depiction of violence and abuse: The novel contains scenes of violence and abuse, which may be disturbing to some readers. The portrayal of these events raises questions about the impact of trauma and the cycle of violence.

Things We Do in the Dark Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means

• Ruby's return to prison: The ending sees Ruby back in prison, having violated her parole. This signifies the end of her control over Paris and the breaking of the cycle of abuse.
• Paris's release from legal charges: The withdrawal of the murder charge against Paris allows her to move forward with her life, free from the burden of false accusations. This signifies her liberation from the legal system and the public scrutiny she faced.
• A new beginning for Paris: The ending suggests the possibility of a fresh start for Paris, as she embraces her true identity and seeks healing from her past. The open-ended nature of her relationship with Drew leaves room for hope and the possibility of a brighter future.