The theme of intense, erotic family relationships and the noire atmosphere present in Flesh and Blood would make it an interesting, if unusual, choice for a reading group.

Some readers may be interested in the boxing background in itself, especially since the fighter seems to have become a sort of urban icon in our century's popular culture.

1. In some ways, Flesh and Blood is the story of a single mother and her son.

How does the intense relationship between Kate and Bobby contribute to the story line and to the hero's quest?

2. How does the image of mother-as-lover fit with current portrayals of the mother, especially the mother as seducer and betrayer, as in the movie The Grifters, starring Angelica Huston and . John Cusack?

3. How does the picture Hamill presents of the world of professional boxing fit the current contemporary view, the history of boxing, and...