The Temple Dancer by John Speed - Book Club Discussion Questions

The Temple Dancer: A Novel of India is a fun and suspenseful trip through 17th-century India. Author John Speed introduces a smorgasbord of interesting and colorful characters, both native to India and part of the Portuguese colonial presence. Book clubs interested in The Temple Dancer can use these book club discussion questions to explore India together.

Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions reveal important details about The Temple Dancer by John Speed. Finish the book before reading on.

1. Whose position would you rather be in: Maya’s or Lucinda’s at the beginning of the story? What about at the end?
   
   
2. Why do you think Slipper behaves the way he does? Why are the eunuchs generally believed to be mischievous or evil?
   
   
3. Do you feel that, at the end of the story, De Gama was granted all that the guru promised him in his dream?
   
   
4. Why did the author mention the differing styles of clothing (Portuguese formal wear or Indian saris and jamas) characters changed in and out of?
   
   
5. What role do you think the character of Lady Chitra is meant to play in the story? Do you believe she was really crazy, as Maya said?
   
   
6. Rate The Temple Dancer on a scale of 1 to 5.