Discussion Questions
1. Aside from his skill at solving codes and puzzles, what other
methods does Father Agostino use in his attempt to uncover the
identity of the Soothsayer and decipher the enigma of The Last
Supper? How much does he owe to chance? What is the
significance of Leonardo da Vinci solving the riddle written by the
Soothsayer?
2. Were you able to guess the identity of the Soothsayer before
it was revealed in the narrative? Once the identity was revealed,
did you see clues and indicators that you had missed while reading
the story?
3. Father Agostino and Master Torriani "both believed that the
Soothsayer had left us this clue [the seven-line verse] in the hope
that the Secretariat of Keys would solve it and communicate with
him" (49). The Soothsayer had ample opportunity to reveal himself
to Father Agostino after the inquisitor arrived in Milan. Why did
he continue to hide his identity from Father Agostino?
4. Father Alessandro became "a dear friend" (79) to Father
Agostino. Do you believe Father Agostino would have thought of the
other man as a friend if he had been aware of Father Alessandro''s
true religious affiliation? Why or why not?
5. Why are the Dominican leaders so concerned that The Last
Supper might contain hidden symbolism? How (and why) was art
used to communicate ideas and beliefs to the people during the
Renaissance?
6. Discuss Elena Crivelli''s role in the story. Despite
Leonardo''s warnings, Bernardino Luini reveals to her what he has
learned from Leonardo about the legacy of Mary Magdalene. Why does
Leonardo then go a step further and take Elena into his confidence?
What was your reaction to learning that da Vinci used a woman as
the model for Saint John in The Last Supper?
7. When Father Agostino frees Mario Forzetta from the Jacaranda
palazzo, Forzetta tells him, "Give me my freedom and I''ll be
faithful" (198). Does Mario fulfill that promise? How so? Why does
Father Agostino choose not to inform his superiors of the existence
of the Cathar community in Concorezzo?
8. The events in The Secret Supper are recounted by
Father Agostino forty years after they took place. Why do you
suppose the author chose to structure the narrative in this way?
How does it enhance the story?
9. Why does Father Agostino exile himself in Egypt? He writes,
"The intimate certainty that no Christian will ever read what I am
writing clouds my mind and brings tears to my eyes" (9). Why is he
recording an account of his mission in Milan if he''s certain that
no one will ever read it?
10. What techniques does the author use to heighten the suspense
in The Secret Supper? Are there "heroes" and "villains" in
the story? Who would you classify in each category?
11. Do you believe, after reading this book, that Leonardo da
Vinci used The Last Supper to conceal religious ideas
contrary to those of the Catholic church? How effectively does
Javier Sierra support the premise that da Vinci was given
responsibility for preserving the legacy of the Church of John and
Mary Magdalene?
12. What is your impression of Leonardo da Vinci after reading
this book? What did you learn about the Renaissance period, Italian
history, art, and religion? What did you find to be the most
compelling aspect of The Secret Supper?
13. Comparisons have been drawn between The Secret
Supper and works such as The Da Vinci Code by Dan
Brown and The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. If members
of your group have read either of these titles, compare them. What
similarities did you find? What differences?
Tips to Enhance Your Book Club
Locate a picture of Leonardo da Vinci''s The Last
Supper on www.artchive.com. See if you can identify the
"secrets" concealed in the painting as they''re presented in the
book, such as Leonardo da Vinci''s likeness, the knot in the
tablecloth representing Mary Magdalene, a woman as the model for
Saint John, and the dagger in Saint Peter''s hand.
Dine at an Italian restaurant, or set the scene with these
suggestions:
- Uncork a bottle of Chianti (a red wine produced in Tuscany, the
region that was home to Leonardo da Vinci).
- Look for culinary inspiration on www.simonsays.com, where a
selection of cookbooks includes Every Night Italian and
Williams-Sonoma Collection: Italian.
- Savor a slice of panettone for dessert. This cake is thought to
have originated in Milan in the 15th century. It''s traditionally
eaten during the holiday season, but your book club discussion of
The Secret Supper is indeed a special occasion. Use the recipe on
www.theworldwidegourmet.com, or purchase the confection from one of
the gourmet food purveyors on www.amazon.com.
- Listen to Italian music; visit www.initaly.com for a list of
suggestions.
The Secret Supper is filled with fascinating historical
facts, such as how Friday the 13th became known as an ominous day
and that aside from being an artist, Leonardo da Vinci also
invented mechanical devices. Share with the group what you found to
be the most interesting nonfiction fact, and why.
In The Secret Supper Leonardo reveals that he painted
his masterpiece a secco, a technique never intended to be
long-lasting. He invited artists from France and Italy to view
The Last Supper, and they in turn duplicated the work in
churches throughout Europe. See if you can find information on how
many replicas were made of the painting, and whether any are still
in existence.