1. How does fate intersect with personal will in the book? What
are your thoughts on the concept of fate? Has it been operational
in your life?
2. Sivakami makes some decisions for her family, with mixed
results. How do you feel about her decisions? Can you think of
similar situations in your family?
3. Many of Sivakami's values seem strange to the modern reader.
How do you relate to them? Which are strange and which are
familiar?
4. Vairum is the only character who actively works to break down
caste barriers. How do you feel about his methods and goals,
especially given the ways they hurt Sivakami and make Janaki
uncomfortable?
5. Muchami is not technically part of the family but still has
an intimate investment in their well-being. How would you
characterize his role and his affection for Sivakami and her
family, given that he is an employee and not even permitted in
certain parts of their house?
6. How does the notion of "a life well-lived" play out in the
book? What does this mean for each individual character? Does it
change along with societal norms?
7. Do you think the personalities of the characters in the book
are essentially shaped by the times they are living in? If not, can
you imagine how they would differ in other contexts?
8. This novel is set in a very specific region and subculture,
did you learn anything new or surprising about Indian society or
history?
9. Both music and creative impulse strongly influence the lives
of Vani, Janaki and Bharati, but do these qualities define them as
people? What does that influence mean, in general and for them?
10. The language in the book has been described alternately as
"poetic and precise," as "simple" and as quite the opposite:
"maximalist." Were you aware of the style of writing as you were
reading and how would you describe it? What are some sentences or
passages that characterize the style?