Unsworth sets his novel at a specific moment in history. What international conflicts are brewing while the characters excavate the archaeological site?
What other sources of conflict and tension are there in the novel?
The rise and fall of empires is a major theme of the novel. Which characters talk about this subject? Are some of them oblivious of history?
How would you characterize Palmer and Somerville? What do these characters represent?
What is the symbolism of the bridge? (p. 23)
There are several couples in the book. What are their relationships like?
Somerville surveys the green of the steppes and thinks, “Now it seemed a cheat to him, as did everything he looked at.” (p. 23) What does he mean?
How are Jehar’s and Somerville’s destinies linked? (p. 32) Do they trust each other? They come from vastly different cultures. Are they at all similar?
Who is lying and who is telling the truth? Are the untruthful characters lying for personal gain or for some other reason?
Several characters tell stories. What is the purpose of the stories?
What effect does Somerville’s obsession with his dig have on his personal life?
Which characters personify the cultural divide between eastern and western societies?
Somerville is haunted by the boastfully bloody accounts of the Assyrian kings (p. 125). Why does he dream about them?
Questions compiled by Suzanne Fisher (fishers@uhls.lib.ny.us)
