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Reading Group Guide

Discussion Questions

A Santo in the Image of Cristobal Garcia: A Novel

1. In the novel, A Santo in the Image of Cristóbal García, the story unfolds through the eyes of two old men, Flavio Montoya and Felix García. Of all the characters in the novel, why were they chosen by the author?

2. The village of Guadalupe is seen again and again over a span of two hundred years. Does it change throughout that time and, if not, what qualities remain the same?

3. The founder of Guadalupe, Cristóbal García, not only lost his mind, but in his insanity saw two of everyone so that "whenever someone died, another of them always remained." What impact did this have on the village and how did it affect the sense of reality in the novel?

4. What are the contradictions between the utter sense of loneliness in each character and the concept of family?

5. The women in the novel are always seen somewhere within their homes, usually cooking in the kitchen. Yet how it is that Rosa Montoya and Percides García and Guadalupe García direct the action the men take?

6. Would you consider placing a Santo in your kitchen? And, if so, what would you talk about?

7. There are stories told in the book that often are left unfinished or simply disappear from the narrative. How important is it in a novel for all 'loose ends' to be resolved?

8. Guadalupe García tells Flavio that one day he will be a hero. Was Flavio Montoya the 'hero' of the story?

9. As an outsider, what do we see through Nick Oliver's eyes?

10. How important is a sense of history in where you live or in your own life?

11. If you found yourself in Tito's Bar would your inclination be to get out immediately or would you stay and have a drink with Ambrosio?

A Santo in the Image of Cristobal Garcia: A Novel
by Rick Collignon

  • Publication Date: October 28, 2002
  • Hardcover: 336 pages
  • Publisher: Blue Hen
  • ISBN-10: 039914921X
  • ISBN-13: 9780399149214