The Underworld book club questions

In The Underworld by Sofie Laguna, Martha Mullins is a misfit. When she learns about Roman mythology at school, the underworld becomes a place of escape, imagination and desire.

But aside from the underworld, Martha also finds joy in friendship . . . until things go wrong. How will she find her way in a world where she cannot be herself? Will she ever find a home for the love she feels?

Wondrous, rich and clever, it’s the perfect book club pick.

Discussion points and questions

• Do you remember when you were fourteen? Why do writers return to this period in a character’s life? Or, as Sofie Laguna does, begin a novel with their hero as a teenager?
• Early in the novel we learn, ‘It seemed to Martha that a family was made from a set of questions not to ask.’ What do you think of this statement? How does it inform Martha’s journey across the narrative?
• The novel commences in 1974 and moves into the 1980s. Why do you think the author set the novel in this period?
• Martha muses on the idea that her parents were only children and as she too is an only child, perhaps it is hereditary. Is there anything to this? What part does having no siblings play in the distance she feels from her parents and her shyness?
• Across the novel friendship enables Martha to flourish and nearly destroys her. Do you think all friendships are inevitably complicated or is it possible to bring people into your life who you can invariably rely on?
• The author says Babs is her favourite character. Babs is not entirely sensitive to difference in others and, let’s be honest, she is a snob! How would a Babs benefit your life?
• At a number of points in her life it is physical activity that offers a breakthrough in Martha’s spiralling sense of self. Do you think the author was saying something specific here? What was it that swimming offered Martha?
• Martha’s passion for Latin, Roman mythology and the underworld provide momentum in Martha’s life, and also education, refuge and escape. Do you have a passion that has sustained and driven you through difficult times?
• That passion becomes more focused as Martha’s studies advance. Sulpicia becomes her obsession. What role does Sulpicia’s own story play in the novel?
• The Underworld has been described as a compassionate novel. Do you agree? Is this unusual in fiction?
• Mothers and daughters: discuss. More seriously, how did you feel about Martha and Judith’s navigations through Martha’s teenage years? Do you agree with Martha’s teacher Mrs Manning that there is no shape stronger than the triangle?