White Smoke

White Smoke depicts certain groups—such as “squatters” or “thugs”— as scapegoats for growing fear and unrest. How does the novel explore individuals’ and groups’ tendency to project societal anxieties onto marginalized populations? How does this scapegoating contribute to the novel’s broader exploration of fear, community division, and the dangers of a mob mentality?

The novel is told entirely from Marigold’s first-person viewpoint except for the preface. What context clues make the viewpoint character clear in the preface post-reading, considering the later events of the plot? How would the narrative effect differ if it was told from multiple points of view?

White Smoke has multiple antagonistic forces who cause fear and conflict, including Mr. Sterling, Carmen Peoples/Ms. Shuga, and Piper. How does Marigold also function as her own antagonist?

What role do social media and technology play in the novel? To what extent does Marigold’s increasing knowledge of what is occurring in her home and Maplewood rely on computers, cell phones, and recorded images?

White Smoke is primarily a social horror novel. How is it also a psychological thriller? Consider how the novel adheres to and subverts the conventions of the psychological thriller genre. Use textual evidence in your response.

Analyze the relationship between truth and deception in White Smoke. How does the novel examine truth and its relationship to perceptions or misperceptions of reality?

In White Smoke, the changing dynamics within Maplewood reflect broader social issues, including the dangers of gentrification. Research a real-life example of gentrification in a specific city or neighborhood. How does the novel’s focus on the looming displacement of long-time residents and the tension between different socioeconomic and racial groups compare to the real-world implications in the example you researched? How do real individual or systemic actors compare to the actions of the Sterling Foundation and Mr. Sterling?

How does Marigold’s house on Maple Street function as a character in the novel? Consider its characterization, particularly its relationship to atmosphere, mood, tension, and narrative pacing. How do the actions within the house mirror or amplify the characters’ fears and external and interpersonal conflicts?