1. It seems unlikely that any good will ever come to the inhabitants of Tecan. Does Stone offer any conditions for optimism in a country plagued by greed, corruption, and brutality?

2. Discuss the development of Father Egan during the course of the novel. What are the elements responsible for his growth as a character?

3. Alcohol and drug usage are controlling elements for several of the major characters of the novel. How does this dependence help to define Stone's characters?

4. Is it impulse and curiosity that bring Holliwell to Tecan? What else could have impacted on his decision to observe the activities of Egan and Sister Justin?

5. While scuba diving off the coast of Tecan, Holliwell confronts the reality of absolute terror. How is his character changed by the experience?

6. What importance does sexual intrusion play in the development of the novel?

7. Pablo Tabor has been called the...