| |
- In what ways does Sweeney’s story parallel the tale of the Goldfaden Carnival freaks?
- Do you see any mirroring between characters in Sweeney’s story and those found in the Limbo story?
- Which story line did you enjoy the most? Why? Which did you find the most meaningful? Why? Did you feel that the dual plotlines worked in conjunction with each other?
- One interviewer felt there were no sane characters in this story. Do you agree? If not, who do you feel is sane?
- There are several patriarchal figures in the story — Sweeney, Buzz, Bruno — and a strong matriarchal figure — Nadia Rey. What do you feel the novel has to say about the extent to which a parent or guardian will go to protect those in his or her care?
- Who do you feel is the “resurrectionist” of the title?
- In an interview, O’Connell has stated that the working title of the book was The Tombs. Can you recall episodes in the novel that would have evoked such a title? Do you prefer the book's ultimate title, The Resurrectionist? Which seems more appropriate to you and why?
- Throughout the novel, various characters - Buzz (pages 213 and 296), the sheep (page 237), and Nadia (page 285) - advise Sweeney to take the “leap.” What do you think is they mean by this?
- Dr. Peck's closest relationship seems to be with his pet salamander, Rene. What do you think Rene’s purpose is in the story? What was the meaning of the poem that Peck recited to Rene in the cupola (page 148)?
- Do you feel there is anything we can deduce about the personal history of the Abomination's chemist, the Sheep?
- What was the purpose of elaborate ritual performance of Dr. Lazarus Cole’s at the Bedlam Brother's Roving Jubilee (page 99)?
- What do you think triggered the viloent tantrum that led to Danny's accident?
- Why do you think Nadia betrayed Buzz?
- The epigraph of the book is an apology extended by Menlo, the creator of the Limbo narrative. To whom, and for what, do you feel Menlo is apologizing?
- Do you think the ending of the book is hopeless or redemptive?
|
|
