Book Club Discussion Questions
For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, and our BookBrowse Review of The Conch Bearer.
Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
ABOUT THE BOOK
The story of
The Conch Bearer begins on the teeming
streets of modern-day Kolkata, India, where twelve-year-old Anand lives in a
dingy shack with his mother and sister, Meera. Anand is captivated by stories of
magic and the opportunities he believes it could create -- if only magic was a
reality. However, everything begins to change when Anand meets Abadhyatta, a
mysterious man who turns out to be a member of the magical Brotherhood of
Healers. Abadhyatta recognizes something special in the boy and entrusts him
with a conch shell that possesses mystical powers. Anand's task is to return the
shell to its rightful home with the Brotherhood many hundreds of miles away --
across arid plains and turbulent rivers, past powerful spirits and fantastical
creatures, and finally into the secret Silver Valley, high in the Himalayas.
Accompanying them is Nisha, a headstrong but resourceful child of the streets.
What follows is a series of quests and battles against the dark and powerful
forces of evil-minded Surabhanu, who was exiled from the Brotherhood years
before. Though Anand experiences doubt, fear, and sadness throughout his
journey, his unrelenting desire to achieve his mission is stronger than the evil
he is confronted with. Anand's quest will take him farther from home than he has
ever been and will teach him more than he has ever imagined. When he finally
reaches the gates of the Silver Valley, Anand faces the greatest challenge of
all -- the decision to either return home to his loving family or to become an
important citizen in the world of magic.
PRE-READING ACTIVITY
The
Lonely Planet World Guide says of India: "Nothing in the country
is ever quite predictable; the only thing to expect is the unexpected." Ask
students to use books in the library or sites on the Internet to find a brief
description of India. Then have them write an interpretation of the above quote.
Why is India a perfect setting for a work of fantasy?
DISCUSSION TOPICS
- Anand wishes for a magic apple to make Meera better, and to bring his
father home. His mother reminds him that magic only occurs in storybooks.
Discuss what Anand learns about magic as the story unfolds. How does magic
help Meera at the beginning of the story? How is Anand indirectly
responsible for Meera's healing? Does his mother's attitude toward magic
change after Abhaydatta's visit? How? In what ways does magic help Anand on
his quest? Discuss the limitations of magic and its relationship wish
wisdom, understanding, and courage. Which of these gifts proves to be the
most important to Anand on his journey?
- Family and family life are very important in India. How does Anand's
feelings for his family almost keep him from going with Abhaydatta? Why does
his mother allow him to go? Debate whether his mother expects him to return.
Discuss the decision to leave his family for the Brotherhood at the end of
the novel. Explain how the Brotherhood of Healers becomes a family to Anand
and Nisha.
- Anand is working at the tea stall when he first notices Abhaydatta. What
draws his attention to the old man? How does Abhaydatta know that Anand has
the desire to enter the secret domain of the world of magic? Discuss the
role of the conch in leading Abhaydatta to Anand.
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- How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
- What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
- Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?
Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Aladdin.
Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.