Into the Water

Much of Into the Water addresses relationships between men and women. What does Hawkins suggest about these relationships and gender roles in modern society?

Each of the “good men” in the novel—Patrick, Sean, Mark, and Robbie—has his own self-narrative to justifying his actions. How does each of the men defend his behavior? Why do they all believe their actions are justified? Do any of them feel guilty?

With nearly a dozen point-of-view characters, plus book excerpts and jumps in time, the structure of Into the Water is quite complicated. Why does Hawkins use this structure? How does the structure help her tell the story? 

Hawkins writes some point-of-view characters in third person, some in first person, and one partially in second person. Why does she choose the type of narration she does for each character? 

Sean and Jules both experienced personal trauma as children. What symptoms of trauma do they each display? How does each of them deal with their trauma? Will either of them move on from their trauma?

Helen Townsend serves as the ideal “chaste” woman compared to most of the other women of Beckford. Should the other, more “troublesome” women strive to be more like Helen? Why or why not?

Into the Water was first published in 2017, the same year that allegations against Harvey Weinstein set off the current “Me Too Movement” exposing widespread sexual harassment and assault of women. In what ways does Hawkins’s novel intersect with the larger societal movement?

Why does Hawkins leave Mark and Sean’s fates unclear?