The Familiar

Consider why the novel is titled The Familiar. This would seem to be a reference to Santángel, who describes himself as a familiar, but the story mostly belongs to Luzia. What other definitions or interpretations of “familiar” might be in play with this title?

Discuss the role of magic in the novel. How is the nature and use of magic depicted? How do different characters conceive of magic, and what is the significance of these various views?

Analyze the role of the Inquisition in the novel. How do forms of religious oppression reflect or perpetuate other forms of oppression in the text (e.g., political, gender, or social oppression)? What does the novel suggest about oppression and its impacts?

Discuss the theme of ambition in the novel as it is pursued and developed by various characters. What larger statement is the novel making about ambition and the exercise of power?

Analyze the other women in the novel—e.g., Hualit, Teoda, Valentina—in comparison to Luzia. How is their characterization different or similar to Luzia’s? What do these others offer her as allies or mentors, and what is their wider significance in the text?

Discuss the various forms of resistance used by the marginalized characters in the novel. How do various characters defy restrictions of class, gender, and/or identity in the text?

Analyze the relationship between Luzia and Santángel. How does their dynamic change over the course of the novel? How does their relationship reflect or develop some of the novel’s key themes and ideas?

Explore the novel as a coming-of-age tale and discuss Luzia’s character development and the growth of her power over the course of the novel. How does her developing power add to her maturity in other aspects? In what ways does Luzia change, and why?