To Daniel: You are the love of my life. The one who grows beside me, never trying to overshadow, strong and steady when the storms come, cool and comforting in the blazing sun. Silly when I am taking myself too seriously and a good voice of reason when maybe I’m not taking myself seriously enough. No one else sees my journey of writing the way you do, and the fact that you see me, amid all the crazy, ranting madness, is everything. There’s no one I’d rather lie by the pool with, as we find shapes in the clouds and talk about what it would be like if we could both suddenly fly. Thanks for being my bae!
To my Father: When the darkness becomes too much, when I feel afraid of the past and the future, when I forget my true identity, when I get caught in the lies of shame, when I can’t forgive myself, Your soft, kind spirit is always there to remind me: This too shall pass; this too I have conquered. Remember, see, let go, and return to truth, where love knows no bounds and anything is possible. I write to remember these truths and I give it to the world so that they might remember as well.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through storytelling. She won a Christy Award for her critically acclaimed debut novel, The Choosing, which was followed by two more books in the Seer series: The Calling and The Returning. Rachelle graduated with a degree in communications and spent several years in marketing and corporate recruiting before making the transition to write full-time. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat, Blair. Visit her online at www.rachelledekker.com.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Before the events of The Returning, Carrington and Remko must give up their daughter, Elise, leaving her behind in the Authority City and trusting that the Father will keep her safe. Have you ever sacrificed something important to you—your time, money, or goals—in order to serve God or help someone else? What was the outcome of that decision?
Lucy tells Carrington, “It happens in a flash, like a sneaky fox—suddenly the truth of your identity is replaced by the illusions of your mistakes.” Why is it so easy for us to believe lies about ourselves? Can you think of a time you’ve been tempted to believe a lie about who you are or what you’re capable of? What can we do to resist such lies?
At the beginning of The Returning, almost all the residents of the Authority City are controlled by the Genesis Serum—they are unable to make choices, have no emotions, and have forgotten who they are. What is the main problem with the Genesis Serum—why is it so dangerous? Does it really make everyone equal?
In chapter 5, Carrington writes Elise, “Life, my sweet daughter, is a cycle of remembering and forgetting. But don’t fret: the more often you practice remembering, the less often you forget.” Do you agree with this assessment? In what ways have you noticed the importance of remembering in your own life? What things do you most often have to remember?
Several characters in the story, including Elise, Jesse, and Carrington, experience the voice of darkness and the voice of light. What are some of the main differences between these voices in The Returning? How does each of these characters decide whether to succumb to the darkness or to cling to the light?
Nicolas and his soldiers arrive at Trylin City in chapter 18, prepared to be met with violent resistance. Instead, Remko and the other Seers welcome them in, refusing to fight back. Why do they make that decision—and did you agree with it? Why does this response make Nicolas so angry?
In chapter 30, the voice of the Father reminds Elise, Remember who you are. You are the light of the world. The Bible tells Christians the same thing (see Matthew 5:14). What does it mean to be the light of the world? What are the privileges and responsibilities of this identity?
In each book of the Seer series, a new corrupt leader exerts control over the Authority City—Isaac Knight in The Choosing, Damien Gold in The Calling, and the Scientist in The Returning. What do you think the people of the city should do to avoid the influence of a similar leader in the future? Throughout history, why have untrustworthy, self-serving leaders often been able to take over societies in turmoil?
Over the course of the series, several characters receive strength, encouragement, and insight in a place called “the Father’s field.” What does this field symbolize? What is its purpose? And why do you think the author chose a field, rather than some other location?
The story ends with hope, as Elise and Willis get married in the Capitol ballroom. What do you predict will happen in their future? In the future of the other characters, and in the society as a whole?
JOIN RACHELLE ON THE JOURNEY
Visit www.rachelledekker.com
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