This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here.
Book club questions for What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez explore the themes of family, identity, love, and the pursuit of truth.
I loved this book! Isabel created a world and characters so vivid that I felt like I was exploring Egypt with Tío Ricardo’s expedition myself.
As a fan of historical fantasies paired with secrets and intrigue, this book has it all – fun banter, a sprinkle of magic, and a good slow-burn romance.
How did you like this novel? ✨
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
In this blog post you will find the discussion questions for What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez.
Readers can delve into discussions about how Inez’s family background influences her journey, the challenges she faces in finding her true self, the complexities of her relationships, and the exploration of ancient mysteries as a metaphor for personal discovery.
At the bottom of this post I also have some additional suggestions for novels that share similar themes and narratives.
Book Club Questions | Additional Recommendations
About the Story
What the River Knows is a thrilling historical fantasy set in 19th century Buenos Aires and Egypt. The story follows Inez Olivera, a wealthy girl who inherits her parents’ fortune after their tragic death.
With a mysterious guardian and an archeologist, she embarks on a journey to Cairo, seeking answers about her parents’ disappearance. Along the way, she discovers old world magic, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race for the truth.
Filled with adventure, romance, and magic, this book is the first in the Secrets of the Nile series, promising an exciting and immersive reading experience.
About the Author
Isabel Ibañez is a talented author known for her captivating storytelling and rich imagination. Born and raised in Boca Raton to Bolivian immigrants, Isabel’s upbringing influenced her love for diverse cultures and stories. She later moved to Orlando during her teenage years and now resides in Maitland, Florida.
Isabel has a deep passion for movies, words, and literature, particularly Young Adult books like the beloved Harry Potter series. She is also a dedicated doodler, cook, and avid reader, often finishing a book in just one day. Her romantic heart is drawn to classic authors such as Jane Austen, and her curiosity about the world drives her interest in history and travel.
In addition to her writing pursuits, Isabel is a skilled graphic designer specializing in greeting cards. Her work has gained recognition, being sold in renowned stores like Anthropologie, Crate and Barrel, and Paper Source. She founded 9th Letter Press, a company that showcased her creative designs and was eventually sold in 2017.
Isabel is the author of Together We Burn, Woven in Moonlight, and is listed among Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books Of All Time.
Book Club Questions for What the River Knows
Disclaimer: the following discussion questions contain spoilers, so proceed with caution if you haven’t finished the book yet.
- Inez is a strong, independent protagonist who defies societal expectations for women in the late 1800s. How does her determination and resilience inspire you? Were there moments in the story where you found her character particularly relatable or empowering?
- Egypt serves as a captivating backdrop for the story, with its rich history, artifacts, and magic. How did the author’s vivid descriptions of Egypt enhance your reading experience? Were there specific scenes or locations that you found especially immersive?
- Inez’s passion for sketching and her love for art play a significant role in the story. How does her artistic talent shape her character and influence her actions? How does her art reflect her emotions and experiences throughout the novel?
- Family is a central theme in the book, especially Inez’s relationship with her parents and her cousin Elvira. How do these familial connections impact Inez’s decisions and journey? How does her relationship with Elvira evolve as the story progresses?
- The dynamics between Inez and Whit are complex, evolving from initial animosity to a deep friendship. How did their relationship develop over the course of the story? What factors contributed to their growing bond, and how did it contribute to the overall narrative?
- The book explores the challenges faced by archaeologists in preserving Egypt’s historical treasures during a time when looting and black market trading were rampant. How did this aspect of the story shed light on the ethical dilemmas of archaeological exploration? Did it change your perspective on the field of archaeology and the importance of preserving cultural heritage?
- Magic is an integral part of the story. How is magic portrayed in the novel, and what impact does it have on the characters and the plot? How does the magic system contribute to the overall atmosphere of the book?
- Inez’s journey to uncover th truth about her parents’ death is driven by her refusal to accept the official explanation. How does her determination to seek justice impact the choices she makes and the risks she takes? Were you surprised by the revelations surrounding her parents’ fate?
- Isabel’s writing style is praised for its authenticity and relatable characters. Which character did you find most relatable, and why? Were there specific moments or dialogues that resonated with you on a personal level?
- The theme of women’s empowerment and the fight for independence is prominent in the story. How do the societal expectations of the time affect Inez’s choices and desires? How does she challenge these norms, and what does her journey symbolize in the context of women’s rights in the late 1800s?
- If you could ask the author one question about the book or its characters, what would it be? Is there a particular aspect of the story that you would like to know more about?
- The novel touches on themes of destiny and fate. Do you believe the characters are bound by destiny, or do their choices shape their futures? How do you interpret the balance between fate and free will in the story?
- The story ends with a cliffhanger, leaving readers eager for the sequel. What are your predictions for Inez and the other characters in the next installment? Are there unresolved plotlines or character arcs that you hope to see explored further in the next book?
Additional Recommendations
Hope you enjoyed the book club discussion questions and reading guide for What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez.
Here are some more of my book club recommendations related to this book:
The Will and the Wilds by Charlie N. Holmberg
A spellbinding story of truce and trickery from the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Paper Magician series.
Enna knows to fear the mystings that roam the wildwood near her home. When one tries to kill her to obtain an enchanted stone, Enna takes a huge risk: fighting back with a mysting of her own.
Maekallus’s help isn’t free. His price? A kiss. One with the power to steal her soul. But their deal leaves Maekallus bound to the mortal realm, which begins eating him alive. Only Enna’s kiss, given willingly, can save him from immediate destruction. It’s a temporary salvation for Maekallus and a lingering doom for Enna. Part of her soul now burns bright inside Maekallus, making him feel for the first time.
Enna shares Maekallus’s suffering, but her small sacrifice won’t last long. If she and Maekallus can’t break the spell binding him to the mortal realm, Maekallus will be consumed completely―and Enna’s soul with him.
A Shadow Crown by Melissa Blair
The highly anticipated second installment of the new adult fantasy saga that took BookTok by storm picks up where A Broken Blade left off…
To the kingdom, Keera is the king’s Blade, his most feared and trusted spy and assassin. But in the shadows, she works with Prince Killian and his Shadow—the dark, brooding Fae, Riven, who sets her blood on fire. Together, they plot to kill a tyrant king.
In Myrelinth, the lush, secret city of trees, Fae, Elves, and Halflings like Keera live in harmony. But Keera cannot escape her past: her crimes against her own people have followed her all the way to the Faeland. There is a traitor in their midst, and Keera is the top suspect.
Keera finds comfort in the allies that have become her family. She swore she would never open her heart again after a loss she barely survived. But she will soon find she has more to lose than she ever imagined . . .
Filthy Rich Vampire by Geneva Lee
Sensual, dangerous, provocative ― step into a daring new world of dark magic, primal attraction, and breathtaking romance.
Julian Rousseaux has a problem. He’s single, and for the world’s wealthiest vampires, the social season is about to begin. Julian would rather stake himself than participate in the marriage market. But as the eldest eligible Rousseaux, he’s expected to find a wife before the season ends―whether he likes it or not.
When cellist Thea literally stumbles into his life at a gala, he knows she’s the last person he could ever fall in love with. She’s too innocent, too kind, and way too human. But now that she knows about his world, she’s also a walking target. She needs protection. He needs a fake girlfriend to discourage overzealous vampire matchmaking.
So, Julian makes Thea an irresistible offer: pretend to be his lover and he’ll change her life. For one year, they’ll attend the season’s social events together in exchange for his protection and a way out of her mother’s crippling medical debt.
She can’t say no. But the vampire world is impossibly decadent and darker than Thea ever imagined, and Julian’s filthy rich vampire family wants her out of the way. But with each moment they share, new dangers emerge: a desire as forbidden as their stolen touches, an awakening of a long-dead heart, and secrets that could tear them both apart.
Happy reading! ❤️