Pair "Sweet Potato Canapés" with "The Maidens" by Alex Michaelides. The elegant and mysterious nature of the canapé complements the thrilling atmosphere of the book. Enjoy a "Spiced Autumn Sangria" alongside to enhance the warm and inviting vibes, making for a perfect and engaging book club experience.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, or thyme)
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the sweet potato rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Arrange the roasted sweet potato rounds on a serving platter. Top each round with a small amount of crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries, and chopped nuts, if using.
- Serve the Sweet Potato Canapés warm or at room temperature.
The Maidens
A spellbinding novel where a brilliant female group therapist becomes fixated on a secretive cult of students at Cambridge University that might have been involved in a murder.
**THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER** "Alex Michaelides’s long-awaited next novel, 'The Maidens,' is finally here…the premise is enticing and the elements irresistible." —The New York Times "A deliciously dark, elegant, utterly compulsive read—with a twist that blew my mind. I loved this even more than I loved The Silent Patient and that's saying something!" —Lucy Foley, New York Times bestselling author of The Guest List From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient comes a spellbinding tale of psychological suspense, weaving together Greek mythology, murder, and obsession, that further cements “Michaelides as a major player in the field” (Publishers Weekly). Edward Fosca is a murderer. Of this Mariana is certain. But Fosca is untouchable. A handsome and charismatic Greek tragedy professor at Cambridge University, Fosca is adored by staff and students alike—particularly by the members of a secret society of female students known as The Maidens. Mariana Andros is a brilliant but troubled group therapist who becomes fixated on The Maidens when one member, a friend of Mariana’s niece Zoe, is found murdered in Cambridge. Mariana, who was once herself a student at the university, quickly suspects that behind the idyllic beauty of the spires and turrets, and beneath the ancient traditions, lies something sinister. And she becomes convinced that, despite his alibi, Edward Fosca is guilty of the murder. But why would the professor target one of his students? And why does he keep returning to the rites of Persephone, the maiden, and her journey to the underworld? When another body is found, Mariana’s obsession with proving Fosca’s guilt spirals out of control, threatening to destroy her credibility as well as her closest relationships. But Mariana is determined to stop this killer, even if it costs her everything—including her own life.
Discussion Questions
- What role does the setting of Cambridge play in developing the story's suspense?
- Discuss the author's use of psychological tension to propel the narrative.
- How are the themes of obsession and secrecy intertwined in the protagonist's journey?
- In what ways does the novel explore the complexities of identity?
- How does the author develop the theme of trust versus deception throughout the book?
- What are the different ways morality is tested among the characters?
- Analyze the impact of the dual narrative structure on the reader's experience.
- How do the secondary characters influence the main character’s actions?
- Discuss the role of mythology and literature references in shaping the plot.
- What does the novel suggest about the nature of truth and reality?
Authors:
Alex Michaelides
ISBN: 9781250304452
Publisher: Celadon Books
Published Date: 2021-06-15
ISBN: 9781250304452
Publisher: Celadon Books
Published Date: 2021-06-15
Spiced Autumn Sangria
A warm and fragrant sangria that combines the richness of red wine with apple cider and autumn spices, creating a cozy drink perfect for pairing with warm and sweet appetizers.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise pods
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir until well mixed.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled in glasses, with some of the fruit pieces.