About This Book
Sonya Hartnett's "Surrender" is a profound and dark psychological novel narrated by Gabriel, a twenty-year-old on his deathbed. He looks back at a childhood marred by neglect, physical abuse, and a terrible secret: he accidentally caused the death of his disabled older brother, Vernon, when he was seven. His only companion was Finnigan, a wild boy who acted as Gabriel's alter-ego, carrying out his suppressed anger and desires for revenge. The story delves into the escalating danger of Finnigan's actions, culminating in a series of arson attacks, and Gabriel's ultimate, tragic decision to stop him. This book is suitable for mature young adult readers, exploring themes of guilt, identity, family dysfunction, and the internal struggle between good and evil.
As he is dying, a 20-year-old man known as Gabriel recounts his troubled childhood and his strange relationship with a dangerous counterpart named Finnigan
Character Death
Violence
Scary Scenes
peril_danger
abuse_themes
mental_health_themes
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Gabriel's relationship with Finnigan evolve throughout the story? What does Finnigan represent?
2
Discuss the role of guilt and shame in Gabriel's life. How do these emotions shape his actions and his perception of himself?
3
The book explores themes of neglect and abuse. How do Gabriel's parents contribute to his troubled childhood?
4
What is the significance of the title "Surrender," both for Gabriel and his dog?
5
Do you think Finnigan is a real person, an imaginary friend, or a manifestation of Gabriel's psyche? What evidence supports your interpretation?
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