The Sixth Lamentation   by William Brodrick
	QUESTIONS To write effective suspense fiction, the author must plant hints that “things are not what they seem,” that there are unexpected events in store for the reader, without giving the surprises away. How does Brodrick create and maintain suspense? What qualities make Anselm an interesting character? Why does Agnes have a difficult time relating to her son? Did the monks of Larkwood compromise their religious mission by giving Schwermann sanctuary? Salomon Lachaise’s declaration, “I am the son of the Sixth Lamentation,” made on his knees before Schwermann and Anselm, is very dramatic. Does his gesture make sense, or is it just there to shock? Is its meaning explained by the end of the book? Brodrick puts his story in a historical context, with references to actual events. Did some events or characters seem implausible to you? Who, what and why? Redemption is a theme in the novel. What do you think about Schwermann’s defense that he was redeemed by saving an innocent life? What is your opinion of the trial verdict? What elements make this a thriller? Is The 6th Lamentation successful as a thriller? Is the story credible? Is the ending satisfying, in the sense that it ties up loose ends? Cardinal Vincenzi tells Anselm, “…dealing with history has always been a trading activity of sorts. We are bidding for a manageable form of truth.” (p. 97) Can we arrive at objective truths about past historical events? Gary Wills said “Only the winners decide what were war crimes.” Is he correct, or are there absolute moral standards that can be used to determine what is permissible in time of war? Is it important to pursue war criminals, even decades after their purported crimes, even if such pursuit will “reopen old wounds” and/or cause political unrest? Is this tracking down of suspected war criminals justice or vengeance?

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