Topic 1

What does the Medal of Honor mean to the characters in the novel? What is the symbolic significance of Raymond receiving the Medal of Honor? How does he come to deserve the honor by the close of the novel?

Topic 2

What is the effect of Josie and Raymond's youthful relationship on Raymond? What is the significance of the fact that she only re-enters his life when his brainwashing begins to unravel?

Topic 3

Yun Lo says that the queen of diamonds is like Raymond's mother, but Josie becomes the physically embodiment of the card at the costume party. Who is the real queen of diamonds for Raymond? How are these two woman similar and different in their control over Raymond?

Topic 4

What is Raymond's personality like before his is brainwashed? How is he different at the end of the novel? Would you say his experiences after the...