Book Club Discussion Questions
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Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
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In the book's first sentence, the narrator says that "Pietro Houdini claimed that life clung to him like a curse and if he could escape it he would." Then, in the final sentence of the book, the narrator claims that "I am the curse of Pietro Houdini." What do you think the narrator means by this, and what throughout the book and the relationship between Pietro and the narrator support this claim?
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Why did the narrator cling to Pietro, and how do you the trauma/events of Pietro's past draw him into such a close relationship with the narrator?
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What was your initial reaction when Pietro shared that, in order to hide the Tiziano paintings from the Nazis, he would paint over them? How does this relate to the theme of beauty growing out of change and destruction?
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Early in the book, the narrator is terrified of "Pippo," but learns that Pippo is more a symbol of fear than anything tangible at all. What do the fear of Pippo and the realization of what Pippo is (or isn't) reveal about the narrator and their journey?
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We never find out about the narrator's life between the war and the contemporary moment—why do you think the author chose to leave this out?
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Pietro, the narrator, and Ada are among the characters who chose to change their names. In what way is the changing of names connected to the act of painting over paintings?
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In a conversation with the narrator, Pietro claims that he's "not making a case for Nazis," that he is "only reminding you that individuals can and often do defy ... orders, defy cultural expectations." With this in mind, does reading this novel change the way you think about World War II and how you consider the Allies and the Axis powers? Does the author present one side as good and one as bad?
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The cast of characters that Pietro and the narrator encounter is such a varied, surprising group. While being unexpected, however, the group demonstrates many forms of love and the goodness of humanity despite their differences and desperation. Was there any particular scene or relationship that moved you the most, and why?
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Ada and Harald's relationship is perhaps the most unlikely relationship in the story. How does their friendship point to the larger theme of partnership, growth, and collaboration in the midst of crisis?
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Polar bears are widely considered to be symbols of patience and resilience, given their survival in a threatening climate. Do you think the orso polare fits this description?
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In the latter half of the book, Eva witnesses a sexual encounter between Eva and Dino (page 269). It's Eva's first time witnessing the power of a sexual intimacy. What do you think of Eva's response to the encounter, and why do you think the author had her witness it at this particular point in the book (not long before the narrator says goodbye to both Eva and Massimo)?
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In what ways is this a coming-of-age story? Reflect on Massimo's transition to Eva, to the first-person narrator, and all of their experiences with violence, sex, tragedy.
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Why do you think the author chose to end the book in the first person, with the now unnamed protagonist narrating?
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How does the humor, Pietro's dialogue in particular, amplify the themes of both hope and despair that echo throughout the book?
Activities for Enrichment
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Consider the value of alter egos and code names. Have you ever given yourself a nickname or created another version of yourself in your mind? What were the circumstances that led you to do this? Discuss this with the group.
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As a group, look at images of the three Tiziano paintings that Pietro and the narrator saved. Look closely at the details and discuss why you think the author chose to feature these paintings in particular.
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Write a short reflection about yourself in the third person, then write a similar reflection in the first person. Share with the group and discuss the experience—what does it feel like to consider your lived experience through the lens of an outsider, and how does that vary from the first person?
Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Avid Reader Press.
Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.
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