Before She Disappeared

Discuss the complexities of immigration, including individual uncertainty and potential effects of mass deportation on the economy. How does the novel grapple with these issues?

How do immigration policies affect people like Angelique and Emmanuel, who have never known any country other than the US and show every sign of contributing value to the American society and economy?

Frankie finds herself a racial minority in a strange neighborhood. How does her experience compare to that of a Black person entering a predominantly white-inhabited neighborhood. Is her sense of alienation comparable to that of other racial minorities? Does the novel offer any insight into this asymmetrical experience? Does the novel acknowledge the White Savior trope?

Discuss the importance of dreams in the novel. When does Frankie have dreams in the story, and what do they symbolize?

Discuss how Frankie’s quest represents the Hero’s Journey narrative form. What tropes does she embody? Does she succeed or fail in her quest?

Angelique and Livia are already missing when the novel begins. Why, then, is the novel titled Before She Disappeared? How does the title relate to the novel’s themes?

What measures does Frankie take to ensure her personal safety as a middle-aged woman in a dangerous city environment? Are these measures effective? Why or why not?

Discuss the portrayal of male characters and how they conform to/diverge from gender-based stereotypes.