Discussion Questions
1. The novel is framed by the risks and realities of the vanilla trade in nineteenth-century Mexico. Why do you think the author chose to structure the novel this way? How do these risks relate to Lucia’s fragile constitution and to the perils she would encounter by being exhibited abroad? In what way is the vanilla trade symbolic of Lucia’s life?
2. To what extent does the initial chapter concerning Zoila’s life in Paplanta enhance your understanding of her loyalty to Lucia?
3. In what ways do the chapters about Lucia’s childhood in Mexico contribute to a deeper understanding of Lucia’s later life?
4. What is the importance of loyalty in Lucia Zárate? In what ways does the author contrast the treachery and greed of sideshow life with the quality of loyalty and instances of caring?
5. What effect did the opening scene of peril and flight have on your perception of the story that follows?
6. What sort of atmosphere does the author create by using the witchdoctor’s whistle as a recurring motif? Does it initially alarm Lucia and Zoila and how does the motif progress through the novel?
7. How was Lucia’s self-perception shaped by the beliefs of others that she was not human, but rather a mythological chaneque?
8. Consider Zoila’s father’s advice to "always follow the money." Did Zoila heed his advice or did she opt to put Lucia’s immediate welfare first?
9. Despite viewing herself as an "armadillo," how naïve is Zoila? Why didn’t she stand up to Frank Uffner’s or Señor Zárate’s greed?
10. In what ways did Zoila’s compassion for Lucia limit the options she had to lead her own life?
11. Consider Lucia’s progression from a hyperactive and charismatic personality that charmed audiences to a lackluster performer. How would you describe the last phase of her professional life?
12. Consider parallels between Lucia’s diva-like behaviors to today’s young celebrities.
13. How did Lucia cope with her fishbowl existence?
14. Zoila remarks, "As I said earlier, an odyssey is a long and adventurous journey," to which Lucia replied, "But you also said that during an odyssey one faces both adventure and hardships." Do you think that Zoila could have prepared Lucia for the hardships?
15. What parallels does Zoila perceive between the possible trajectory of Lucia’s life and that of Julia Pastrana, Carolina Crachami, and Antonietta Gonzalez ? Comment on the statement, "Zoila resolved to uncover the devious ways these so-called promoters employed to entice unique girls such as Julia Pastrana and to use this knowledge to prevent Lucia from falling victim to their cunning ways."
16. In what ways were Lucia’s shipboard travels transformative for her at different stages of her life?
17. Reflecting on the fact that Frank Uffner felt he had, "Single-handedly created her stage persona, and because of his genius as an impresario, her fame had spread worldwide. Soon, he and he alone would enjoy his well-deserved payback." Do you think Frank Uffner enjoyed the money he earned through exploitation of his performers?
18. What were the pivotal moments that helped Lucia to become a resilient young woman?
19. What is the purpose of the motif of the flying-men from Paplanta? What does this ancient ritual represent in the novel?
20. Lucia was betrayed emotionally, financially, and romantically by her father, Frank Uffner, and General Mite, yet her sense of duty to her family was foremost. Are the morally ambiguous actions of characters, such as Mr. and Mrs. Uffner and Señor Zárate, redeemed?
21. What is the symbolism of the train wrecks and train accidents?
22. How does the friendship between Lucia and Zoila evolve?
(Questions issued by the publisher.)
Lucia Zarate (Velastegui) - Discussion Questions
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