Characters | ||
Missing Hospital, Ethiopia | Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, New York | Miscellaneous |
Sister Mary Joseph Praise Thomas Stone Marion Shiva ShivaMarion Matron Dr. K. Hemlatha (Hema) Dr. Ghosh Rosina Genet Zemui (Genet’s father) Almaz (Ghosh’s servant) Gebrew Nurse Probationer | Deepak Thomas Stone | Sister Anjali Thomas Stone’s parents: Justifus Stone – syphilis and alcoholism Hilda Stone George Ross – Thomas’ guardian after parent’s illness and death |
For discussion:
- Discuss Matron’s deception of the supporting churches regarding how their money was spent. Do you think this was justified?
- Discuss the Nurse Probationer. She was proficient at book knowledge, but did not have “Sound Nursing Sense.” What do you think is the balance between book knowledge and instinct in professional success or any other situation such as motherhood?
- Discuss the minor sub-plot of the Nurse Probationer. How was she able to come into her own?
- Discuss the parable of the slippers on pages 350 & 351 on the paperback edition. How does this story explain life?
- Did you like the inclusion of the detailed medical information along with the story? Did this add or detract from your enjoyment of the novel?
- How do you think the early illness and death of Thomas Stone’s mother shaped his adult life? How did his own illness and abandonment of his father affect his life?
- In the operating room, Thomas always advocated “words of comfort” in the care of a patient. Does his behavior regarding his sons contradict this feeling for the individual?
- Think about all of the events that were a result of Shiva having sex with Genet. What do you think would have happened if this initiating event had not happened? Do you think Marion was right not to tell anyone?
- On page 27, Sister Mary Joseph Praise thought Thomas Stone had acted correctly on the ship when he “did the wrong thing…in pursuit of the right thing.” Do you think it is excusable to do something wrong in order to achieve something that is right?
- Marion stated that he and Shiva “…had an unfair advantage on the rest of the world” because of their bond. Do you agree or disagree? Why? (page 301)
- At the end, Marion felt that he and Shiva were reunited into ShivaMarion and that Shiva lived in him (page 640). Do you find this an interesting way for him to continue with his life?
- Were you surprised that Marion went back to Ethiopia?
- Did you “like” the ending where Shiva died?
