Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswel

 

Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell

Themes: monstrosity, identity, love, family, and trauma.

Monstrosity and Humanity

  1. How does the novel challenge the traditional definition of a "monster"? In what ways is Shesheshen more human than some of the actual human characters, and vice versa?

  2. Shesheshen often describes humanity and human customs from a confused, alien perspective. What did these observations reveal about everyday human life and behavior?

  3. The narrative centers on a creature that eats people. How did the book successfully make Shesheshen a sympathetic protagonist despite her monstrous biology? Did you ever struggle to root for her?

  4. Do you believe Shesheshen has a moral code? If so, what is it based on, and how does it compare to the morality of the human characters?

  5. What purpose does the body horror serve in the story? Is it just for shock, or does it contribute to the broader themes of identity and connection?

Identity, Shape, and Truth

  1. Shesheshen's shapeshifting is central to her identity and her deception. How does the novel use the concept of physical form to explore deeper truths about personality and self?

  2. How significant is the name Homily? Does the character live up to its meaning, or does she complicate it?

  3. The story explores the tension between internal reality (who Shesheshen is) and external presentation (the human form she takes). How do we, as humans, similarly "shape-shift" or mask our true selves in relationships?

  4. The narrative eventually reveals the truth about The Curse. How did this twist reframe your understanding of the relationship between Shesheshen, Homily's family, and Shesheshen’s own mother?

  5. At what point do you think Shesheshen fully accepted her feelings for Homily over her biological drive to "nest" within her? What spurred that change?

Love, Relationships, and Family

  1. The relationship between Shesheshen and Homily is often described as "insta-love." Do you feel this quick connection was earned, or is it a function of the story's overall tone and themes?

  2. What does Homily see in Shesheshen? Why is Homily so quick to accept Shesheshen's true, monstrous nature?

  3. Discuss the concept of a "nest" as it evolves throughout the book. How does it change from a purely biological/predatory concept for Shesheshen to a metaphor for a safe, loving relationship?

  4. The book features several different types of mothers and parenting. Compare and contrast Shesheshen's mother with the Baroness (Homily's mother). What are the long-term impacts of their particular forms of "motherhood" on their children?

  5. How did the author handle Homily’s history of trauma and abuse? Do you feel her past adequately explains her present character and her attraction to Shesheshen?

Worldbuilding and Style

  1. The story blends genres—cozy fantasy, dark fantasy, horror, and romance. Which genre do you think is most dominant, and how do the others influence the tone?

  2. The novel is told entirely from Shesheshen's first-person perspective. How does this narrative choice shape the reader's experience of the world and its events?

  3. The book is full of dark humor. Provide an example of a moment that made you laugh despite (or because of) its grim context. How does this humor serve the narrative?

  4. What role does Blueberry the bear play in the story? Is he simply comic relief, or does he serve as a bridge between the monstrous and the mundane?

  5. What do you imagine the future holds for Shesheshen and Homily? Is their unusual relationship sustainable in the wider world, or will they need to remain isolated to maintain their happiness?

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