Who is the true Willie Sutton? Why has he chosen to tell his story to the reporter and the photographer? Do you believe Sutton's story as he tells it to the reporter and the photographer? What do you think the true story is about Sutton and Bess and some of the other inconsistencies throughout the novel?

Discuss the relationship between Eddie and Willie. Are they friends, like brothers or simply partners in crime? Does Willie see Eddie's faults? Why does Willie feel the need to protect Eddie? How does Willie feel about Eddie? How Eddie feel about Willie? How do Willie's feelings change after Eddie's death? Do you think Willie's life would have turned out differently if he never became friends with Eddie?

Who is Bess Endner? Why does she choose to marry the man that she does? Why do you think Willie believes...