Reading Guide Questions
Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
- Cormac O'Connor is given the opportunity of a lifetime--to life forever.
Before he's actually granted immortality, Kongo insists that Cormac
"must truly live," not "simply exist." Does Cormac
fulfill that mandate? Given Cormac's experience, would you choose to
live forever?
- With Cormac's arrival in Manhattan, we see that ethnic diversity is a
predominant feature in eighteenth-century New York. The city is a cultural
meeting place for British colonists, African slaves, and Irish immigrants,
to name a few groups. In what ways do these groups come into conflict with
one another? In what ways do they live side by side harmoniously?
- Cormac participates in some of the key events in the founding of the
American republic. Yet after centuries in Manhattan, Cormarc still does
"not exactly think of himself as an America, but he was definitely a
New Yorker" (page 404). What does he mean by that?
- New York City is as much a character in the novel as any of the people
Cormac meets, and he has the opportunity to see the city change through the
centries. How does New York grow alongside Cormac? What are your impressions
of New York City after reading the book?
- The relationship between Cormac O'Connor and Mary Morrigan begins in the
summers when Cormac is learning the Celtic traditions. Describe this unique
relationship. How does it color Cormac's future interactions with women?
- When Cormac's mother is killed, Cormac's father begins to forge a sword.
After his father's death, Cormac vows to seek revenge according to the
Celtic code. What do you think of the acts of violence Cormac commits in the
name of this vow? How do you account for the choice he makes when he meets
the last of the Warren heirs? Is it possible to maintain honor while seeking
vengeance?
- Cormac and Kongo meet under horrific circumstances and initially have no
common language. Yet they forge an unusually strong bond. What is the basis
of their mutual understanding? What role does each play in the life of the
other?
- Over the years, many women pass through Cormac's life, yet he becomes
emotionally involved with only a few. Who are the women Cormac loves? What
impact does his relationship with each of them have on him?
- Cormac comes into contact with people from many different religious
backgrounds-from pagans and mystics to Jews, Catholics and
Protestants-throughout his epic journey. Describe the ways in which
adherents of various faiths affect Cormac's life. How does religious belief
in general influence his actions? Does his view of religion change over the
course of the book?
- After three centuries, Cormac finally faces the choice of entering the
otherworld and being reunited with his family or staying with Delfina and
his unborn child. Do you think Cormac makes the right decision? Why? What
decision would you have made in his place?
Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Back Bay Books.
Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.
