Last Nightingale

1. There seems to be a slight change of focus between Chapters 3 and 4; the action shifts away from the earthquake and its aftermath, toward the mystery of Tommie Kimbrough. What is the effect of this shift? Is it really such a drastic thematic change? What is the relationship between the earthquake and Tommie's bloodlust?2. Blackburn is outside when the first shock wave happens, and is therefore in a way separate from the tragedy that ensues. How is this appropriate to his character and what implications does this have for the plot?3. Around half of the novel focuses on the affairs of the San Francisco Police Department, who are the first responders. What effect does this have on the narratological perspective and the attitudes/behaviors of our main characters? How does this narrative style affect the reader in a way that is different from many other stories?4. What were the first priorities of the police when responding to the earthquake and fires? Did these historically accurate concerns surprise you?5. What does this novel say about emergency and the human condition? Did the responses of some San Franciscans (such as looting and self-preservation) surprise you? Did they remind you of the aftermath of emergencies you have seen in recent news (e.g. Hurricane Katrina)? What are some similarities and differences?6. Let's talk about males and protection/preservation of the domestic sphere. Blackburn is relieved to see the neighborhood still intact, while everything else burns. Shane feels guilty that he didn't defend his adopted mother and sisters. Father Nightingale leaves home to check on his store, rather than protecting his family. What does the story say about the role of the male as protector? What effect does the repeated shirking of male roles have? What sort of template for male behavior does Blackburn provide?7. Do you see any symbolism in the title? Why do you think Shane Nightingale is the titular character?8. What do you make of the group that Shane travels with immediately after the earthquake? They seem to make organic decisions with little or no conversation. Why do you suppose the author depicts them behaving in this way? What does this reveal about trauma and coping methods?9. When Shane joins the workers' group, their first job is to restore the Mission and its graveyard. Although none of the characters is overtly religious, what is the role and importance of religion in the novel? For the individual characters?10. Regarding corruption within the religious sector and amongst the religious authorities in the novel, are there as many cases of good religious people as there are of bad ones?11. What are some of the similarities between Shane and Blackburn? Why do you think the author chose to make them parallel (or complimentary) characters?12. How does Shane's character develop throughout the story? Is he redeemed from his terrible burden of guilt at the end?13. Why do you suppose Kimbrough supported Shane during all the years he was in the orphanage? Why didn't he support Vignette?14. Patterns of treachery and loyalty run throughout the story. Is it sometimes surprising which characters are treacherous and which ones are loyal?15. When Shane helps to solve the murder case involving Elsie Sullivan, Blackburn is amazed by his powers of perception. At the end of the story, Shane torments Tommie by recalling Tommie's painful past to him. Does he really remember Tommie's past?16. Do you feel any sympathy for Kimbrough? (How about in light of the information presented in the Dossier about disorganized criminals?)17. In the Dossier, the author claims that readers of crime fiction love more than the twists and turns of a good mystery; they love to pit their individual sense of right and wrong against the driving ethics at workFlacco, Anthony is the author of 'Last Nightingale ', published 2007 under ISBN 9780812977578 and ISBN 0812977572.