Reading Guide Questions

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?
4. What is the source of Arent's loyalty to Sammy? Is it solely because of the work they've done together? What else might be at play?
5. Sammy's advice is to "hold on to what you know until you know what it means." How does this shape Arent's investigation? Could it have benefited him to be more candid, or would that have increased the danger?
6. How do superstition and fear shape the action of the story? Does a superstition have power even if it isn't "true"?
7. What did you think of Captain Crauwels's change of allegiance? What was his real motivation?
8. If you were in Sara's position at the end of the book, what would you decide?

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.