The Devil and the Dark Water Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, The United East India Company and our BookBrowse Review of The Devil and the Dark Water.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. Governor General Jan Haan refuses to heed the leper's warning, and later, he refuses to return to Batavia. Do you think his actions are the result of disbelief or pride?
2. Most of the characterization of Samuel Pipps comes from Arent's memories and opinions of him. How would the story be different if Sammy's perspective was in play more often? Do you think your opinion of him would change?
3. Who has power throughout the book? Does all power look the same?

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