1.  How does the New England setting shape both the story and the characters?  Could it be considered a character in itself?  Why, or why not?

2.  How does the theme of legacy surface throughout the novel?  What do you think Michelle Trutor’s legacy might be?

3.  Caroline’s diaries express her personal beliefs on the topics of art, death, love, and other topics.  Do you agreed or disagree with them?  How do these views impact the story itself?

4.  The Balloonist declares that “now, in the splash of a New England autumn, I have found you.”  Why Trutor?  What special qualities does she bring with her to Derbysville that make her the correct choice for the job?  What are her failings?

5.  Arthur and Proctor are fraternal twins.  Are they believable as brothers, or are they too different from each other?  What do they share?  How are they not alike?

6.  How does Michelle Trutor affect the lives of the Whartons, those involved in Caroline’s past, and the citizens of Derbysville?  How did these changes come about? 

7.  What were some of the more memorable scenes?  Why? 

8.  The theme of abuse –– man’s inhumanity to man –– runs throughout the novel.  How are the characters affected by it?  How do they survive?  What conclusions might the author intend her reader to draw?  What were your personal reactions?

9.  Were you able to solve the Victorian riddles on your own?  If not, did you feel that their difficulty detracted from your enjoyment?  If so, did they add to the reading experience?

10. Is Trutor & the Balloonist a true mystery?  Why, or why not? 

Copyright 2007 by Debbie Lee Wesselmann