Cinnamon’s Discussion Questions for Marcello’s Promise

Cinnamon is our “grandcat,” pictured here after Marcello’s Promise arrived in the mail. She was thrilled to get her copy but, like any cat, pretended otherwise and kept her emotions in check. After sniffing the book and nestling down on the mailing envelope, she promptly fell asleep. Three hours later she woke up–and this is the incredible part–with a host of questions about Marcello and Luisa and their amazing story. We were stunned by this turn of events but managed to transcribe a list of discussion questions that you might find interesting for your book club or your own consideration. Full disclosure: if you haven’t finished the book, there are some spoilers in the questions, so proceed at your own risk. I hope you find them thoughtful and stimulating; they’re not bad for a cat.

Cinnamon’s Discussion Questions

• In our age of instant communication, it’s hard to imagine leaving your family and never seeing or speaking to them again. Could you have done what Marcello and Luisa did? What is the longest you’ve been separated from a loved one or your family with little or no communication?

• Discuss Marcello’s and Luisa’s experiences as steerage passengers and as immigrants processing through Ellis Island. Put yourself in their place; what would you find most difficult? Frightening? Tiresome?

• In Chapter 8 Marcello and his brothers are the objects of ethnic ridicule from troublemakers at the saloon. How does this affect Marcello? Have you witnessed or experienced prejudice? How did you handle it?

• Luisa finds it impossible to write to Marcello about her miscarriage. How did that decision affect her and eventually Marcello? Have you avoided difficult conversations with family members or close friends? Have you ever suppressed painful events and memories?

• Marcello arrives in America determined to be a hard-working miner and eventually move up to management. Does his view of mining change? Explain. Have you ever changed your mind about a career choice, boyfriend, fiancé, or other life-altering event? Was it the right choice?

• Why isn’t a cat in this story?

• After the deaths of Roberto and Jim, both Luisa and Marcello felt abandoned by God and were angry with Him. Have you ever felt this way? Were you able to rid yourself of these feelings? In Chapter 24 Julia offers comfort to Luisa saying God weeps with us in our time of sorrow. Do you agree?

• After Jim’s death, all Marcello’s decisions are based on securing the future he promised Luisa should he die unexpectedly, too. At the same time Luisa becomes the family protector in the face of the dangers posed by bootlegging. How do these two positions—family provider vs family protector—play out?

• Family relationships can be complicated. Discuss the relationship among the Corsi brothers; the brothers and their wives; Marcello, Lucas and Luisa. How does birth position play a role in these relationships? In your own family?

• Marcello and Luisa are ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things with everyday courage, determination, and faith. Have you discovered those in your own family who sacrificed on your behalf, to whom you owe a debt? I urge you to celebrate your family’s past, honor its goodness, dream its future. We discover ourselves in the process; it is who we are.

I can’t wait to meet with the Real Housewives of Waukee (Iowa) book club this week to discuss Marcello’s Promise! Pictures to follow!