The Ten Thousand Doors of January

Harrow often describes the way objects and places smell. How does this recurring use of sensory imagery further the reader’s understanding of Doors and worlds? Why are smells significant?

Why does Harrow comment on characters’ race and describe racial discrimination throughout the novel? What point about race is she trying to convey?

How is the historical setting of the novel significant? Harrow periodically describes historical context through famous events, people, and ways of thinking of the period. How do these descriptions enhance the reader’s understanding of January’s world and 20th-century America?

To what genre would you assign this novel? Is it historical fiction, coming-of-age, magical realism, romance, mystery, fantasy, action/adventure, or some other genre? Defend your choice using evidence from the novel.

Compare and contrast January’s character with Jane’s. How are the women similar, and how are they different? Why are their similarities and differences significant?

Harrow highlights the importance of several objects throughout the novel. Which objects are important, and why? What do they symbolize?  

In light of the historical context of the novel, why does Harrow use a female main character? What points does Harrow make about gender and societal expectations for women?

Harrow often tells the reader the outcome of a situation, and then backpedals to explain the events of the situation in order. For example, the novel begins, “When I was seven, I found a door” (1), and then January recounts the story of how she found the Door. Although Harrow primarily tells the story chronologically, how do Harrow’s deviations from chronological order function within the text? Why does Harrow play with the order of events in this way?