September - Discussion Questions

Again, this post is coming out a little later than originally planned, but I hope most of you have had a chance to look at the reader's guide, because most of the questions are lifted from there. These questions are to prompt discussion for the meeting this weekend to start the conversation. Please come with additional questions if you have them!


Questions for discussion

1. How did you like the style of the book (with four different perspectives)? Would you have liked it more "traditionally" written, or did you like hearing different stories?
2. What effect do the constant confrontation of war and occupation have on each narrator? Do suffering, violence, and loss ever become the norm? Further - what resources, both physical and mental, are the four characters in the book using to help them survive?
3. What effect does music have on Sarajevo and the lives of the characters? Did you have a chance to listen to the Adagio? Did it have the same effect on you?
4. Are the characters in the book courageous?
5. Each one of the characters does something to create a sense of "normalcy" in this time of chaos. What do you think about this? Was it all for naught?
6. What was your favorite part of the book? Your least favorite part?
7. What does this book convey about war and humanity?
8. Let's construct at least one question to ask Steven Galloway about his book. What would you like to ask him?

Thank you to all participating this month, and I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow at 10am!