Reading Group Guide Discussion Questions

Landsman by Peter Charles Melman

1. The novel itself gives a definition of "landsman." In what ways does Elias fit that description? In what other senses of the word is he a landsman?

2. How does Nora's conception of Elias, before he first writes back to her, shape who he really is? In what ways does her imagined version of Elias fail to match up to the real one?

3. What effect does Silas Wolfe's late entry into the actual action of the novel have on your perception of him? What effect does the relatively late revelation of the murder victim’s identity have on your understanding of murder?

4. The narration changes tense often, shifting between past and present tense, and occasionally providing a glimpse into a character's future. Do the sections in the present tense have a different "feel" from the ones in the past tense? How does the use of different tenses shape the immediacy of the narration?

5. The changes wrought in Elias' personality and view of the world by his relationship with Carlson are detailed in the narrative, but does their relationship change Carlson? If so, how?

6. How does Elias' relationship with the land affect his state of mind? How have both that relationship and his relationship with his mother continued to affect him after his mother died and he lost his home?

7. Are Carlson's classical references always appropriate? Do they anchor him to reality or shield him from it?

8. What is Elias' attitude toward women? How does that affect his behavior toward Nora, Imogene and other women he encounters?

9. Why does Elias accept Wolfe's orders to kill Petitgout and Cobb?

10. What is Elias' attitude toward his faith and Jewish self-identification (or lack thereof)?

11. Is Elias a different person at the end of the novel than he was at the beginning? How does he change? How does he remain the same?