Was George mistaken in believing that Mrs. Gomes was available to him (p. 267)?

Can the problems of Shankara (Day Two, Afternoon, St. Alphonoso's) be entirely accounted for by caste?

Why are we told about a tomato seller while Shankara is pondering his next move (p. 56)?

How much time do you sense passing in this book?

How do the travel-guide descriptions work with the settings & characterizations?

How does Kittur disappoint those who come there for a better life?

How do the characters deal with the culture of lies & corruption?

Does hopelessness overwhelm insight in these stories?

Why does the narrator secretly hide Leggatt in his cabin?

Why does the narrator endanger the ship and the crew to help Leggatt swim ashore?

What do the narrator & Leggatt share?

Do you believe Leggatt's story? Is he real?

Do you view the narrator's actions as the folly of a green commander, or as the bold, independent actions that will make him a strong commander?