1. Throughout this novel, the author immerses us completely into the village of Kosawa --- the people’s beliefs, hierarchies, customs and rituals. What resonated most with you?

2. Why do you think the author chose to tell the story from multiple points of view? How did this impact your reading experience and connection to the characters?

3. The stakes in this novel are high, and the fear and defiance of the characters are personal. What are the parallels between the environmental degradation in the novel and the socio-economic challenges our country is currently going through?

4. When Konga rallies the village to take the Pexton representatives hostage, how did you feel? Were you glad some action was taken, did you feel a sense of foreboding, or both? Could you understand the characters’ desperation?

5. What do you think is responsible for the conditions in Kosawa? Pexton, His Excellency and the country’s government, the legacy of colonialism, or a combination of all of these things? Explain your choice/s.

6. How would you describe Woja Beki in one word? Why do you think he chose to work for Pexton? Was it a choice? Do you know anybody in real life who behaves in a similar way?

7. It takes a village to raise a child is an African proverb. How do you think it relates to Kosawa and its people? What about the United States and the rest of the world?

8. What do you think was the catalyst for Thula’s transformation from student to revolutionary?

9. When Thula arrives in the United States she observes: This is a place where people stand in lines for every thing, those who arrive first standing in the front, no one paying any attention to who is oldest or neediest. And: There’s a great deal of speed over here, everyone seems to need to be somewhere sooner than possible. What does this say about America?

10. Do you think there’s an ideal way a U.S. oil company could work with another country and its citizens? What guidelines would you set for such an arrangement?

11. What role does the American media play in Kosawa’s battle with Big Oil? Do you think it helped or hurt the people’s cause? What more, if anything, could the media have done?

12. The front cover of this novel is striking. What does this image mean to you, and how do you think it relates to the themes of the novel?