The Conch Bearer Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

Print PDF

For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, and our BookBrowse Review of The Conch Bearer.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

ABOUT THE BOOK
The story of The Conch Bearer begins on the teeming streets of modern-day Kolkata, India, where twelve-year-old Anand lives in a dingy shack with his mother and sister, Meera. Anand is captivated by stories of magic and the opportunities he believes it could create -- if only magic was a reality. However, everything begins to change when Anand meets Abadhyatta, a mysterious man who turns out to be a member of the magical Brotherhood of Healers. Abadhyatta recognizes something special in the boy and entrusts him with a conch shell that possesses mystical powers. Anand's task is to return the shell to its rightful home with the Brotherhood many hundreds of miles away -- across arid plains and turbulent rivers, past powerful spirits and fantastical creatures, and finally into the secret Silver Valley, high in the Himalayas. Accompanying them is Nisha, a headstrong but resourceful child of the streets. What follows is a series of quests and battles against the dark and powerful forces of evil-minded Surabhanu, who was exiled from the Brotherhood years before. Though Anand experiences doubt, fear, and sadness throughout his journey, his unrelenting desire to achieve his mission is stronger than the evil he is confronted with. Anand's quest will take him farther from home than he has ever been and will teach him more than he has ever imagined. When he finally reaches the gates of the Silver Valley, Anand faces the greatest challenge of all -- the decision to either return home to his loving family or to become an important citizen in the world of magic.

PRE-READING ACTIVITY
The Lonely Planet World Guide says of India: "Nothing in the country is ever quite predictable; the only thing to expect is the unexpected." Ask students to use books in the library or sites on the Internet to find a brief description of India. Then have them write an interpretation of the above quote. Why is India a perfect setting for a work of fantasy?


DISCUSSION TOPICS

1. Anand wishes for a magic apple to make Meera better, and to bring his father home. His mother reminds him that magic only occurs in storybooks. Discuss what Anand learns about magic as the story unfolds. How does magic help Meera at the beginning of the story? How is Anand indirectly responsible for Meera's healing? Does his mother's attitude toward magic change after Abhaydatta's visit? How? In what ways does magic help Anand on his quest? Discuss the limitations of magic and its relationship wish wisdom, understanding, and courage. Which of these gifts proves to be the most important to Anand on his journey?
   


2. Family and family life are very important in India. How does Anand's feelings for his family almost keep him from going with Abhaydatta? Why does his mother allow him to go? Debate whether his mother expects him to return. Discuss the decision to leave his family for the Brotherhood at the end of the novel. Explain how the Brotherhood of Healers becomes a family to Anand and Nisha.
   


3. Anand is working at the tea stall when he first notices Abhaydatta. What draws his attention to the old man? How does Abhaydatta know that Anand has the desire to enter the secret domain of the world of magic? Discuss the role of the conch in leading Abhaydatta to Anand.
   

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Aladdin. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.