We hope these discussion questions will enhance your reading group’s exploration of Cecilia Velástegui’s novel, LUCÍA ZÁRATE. They are meant to stimulate discussion, offer new viewpoints and enrich your enjoyment of the book.

1. The novel is framed by the risks and realities of the vanilla trade in nineteenth-century Mexico. Why do you think the author chose to structure the novel this way? How do these risks relate to Lucía’s fragile constitution and to the perils she would encounter by being exhibited abroad? In what way is the vanilla trade symbolic of Lucía’s life?

2. To what extent does the initial chapter concerning Zoila’s life in Paplanta enhance your understanding of her loyalty to Lucía?

3. In what ways do the chapters about Lucía’s childhood in Mexico contribute to a deeper understanding of Lucía’s later life?

4. What is the importance of loyalty in Lucía Zárate? In what ways does the author contrast the treachery and greed of sideshow life with the quality of loyalty and instances of caring?

5. What effect did that opening scene of peril and flight have on your perception of the story that follows?

6. What sort of atmosphere does the author create by using the sorcerer’s whistle as a recurring motif? Does it initially alarm Lucía and Zoila and how does the motif progress through the novel?

7. How was Lucía’s self-perception shaped by the beliefs of others that she was not human, but rather a mythological chaneque?

8. Consider Zoila’s father’s advice to “always follow the money.” Did Zoila heed his advice or did she opt to put Lucía’s immediate welfare first?

9. Despite viewing herself as an “armadillo,” how naïve is Zoila? Why didn’t she stand up to Frank Uffner’s or Señor Zárate’s greed?

10. In what ways did Zoila’s compassion for Lucía limit the options she had to lead her own life in a different direction?

11. Consider Lucía’s progression from a hyperactive and charismatic personality that charmed audiences to a lackluster performer. How would you describe her last phase of her professional life?

12. Consider parallels between Lucía’s diva–like behaviors to today’s young celebrities.

13. How did Lucía cope with her fishbowl existence?

14. Zoila remarks, “As I said earlier, an odyssey is a long and adventurous journey,” to which Lucía replied, “But you also said that during an odyssey one faces both adventure and hardships.” Do you think that Zoila could have prepared Lucía for the hardships?

15. What parallels does Zoila perceive between the possible trajectory of Lucía’s life and that of Julia Pastrana, Carolina Crachami, and Antonietta Gonzalez? Comment on the statement, “Zoila resolved to uncover the devious ways these so-called promoters employed to entice unique girls such as Julia Pastrana and to use this knowledge to prevent Lucía from falling victim to their cunning ways.”

16. In what ways were Lucía’s shipboard travels transformative for her at different stages of her life?

17. Reflecting on the fact that Frank Uffner felt he had, “Single-handedly created her stage persona, and because of his genius as an impresario, her fame had spread worldwide. Soon, he and he alone would enjoy his well-deserved payback.” Do you think Frank Uffner enjoyed the funds he earned through exploitation of his performers?

18. What were the pivotal moments that helped Lucía to become a resilient young woman?

19. What is the purpose of the motif of the flying-men from Paplanta? What does this ancient ritual represent in the novel?

20. What does the vial of Felipe’s blood symbolize?

21. Lucía was betrayed emotionally, financially, and romantically by her father, Frank Uffner, and General Mite, yet her sense of duty to her family was foremost. Are the morally ambiguous actions of characters, such as Mr. and Mrs. Uffner and Señor Zárate, redeemed?

22. What is the symbolism of the circus trains and train accidents vis-à-vis the wheels of progress of circuses in the U.S.?

(Questions issued by the publisher.)