Discussion Questions
1. Corey Sifter grows up over the course of this book. Which character do you see as the most significant influence on his personal evolution?
2. What motivates Corey to continue questioning the series of events that lead to Senator Bonwiller's downfall: his journalist's curiosity, a sense of loyalty, or his own contemplative nature?
3. Trieste Millbury shows enormous potential as a reporter during her time interning at the newspaper. She also provides a rapt audience for Corey's rehashing of past events. How is she similar to the teenaged Corey? How is she different?
4. When JoEllen Charney enters Bonwiller's world he is well on his way to successfully capturing the Democratic nomination. What does their liaison suggest about the ambitions and assumptions of those who pursue power?
5. Who or what do you think is ultimately responsible for incriminating Bonwiller?
6. How realistically does the book portray political indiscretions? Were you reminded of actual events past or present?
7. Which character's duplicity or innocence did you find the most surprising, and why?
8. Who is the unnamed man with a limp who appears after Bonwiller's funeral? Why do you think Canin chose not to reveal his identity?
9. Christian and Clara's sibling rivalry is hinted at but never fully explained. What do you think motivated it? Did they turn out to be different as adults than you expected them to be? (Questions provided by the publisher.)
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