Chasing Sophea A Novel

1. In her interview, Gabrielle Pina says that we choose ourselves in our mates. How does this play out in other relationships in the book? Do you think this is a true statement?2. Lucius is a very complex character: seemingly deep and thoughtful, yet neglectful toward almost every living person. What role do his aloofness and relative calm play in the storms of Dahlia's life? How do these traits manifest themselves in his other relationships?3. Do you think most husbands would react to their wives' psychological illnesses the way Milky does? How would you react if you suspected that someone close to you had a mental illness?4. Aunt Baby and Percival remain calm even in the toughest and craziest of situations. How does their patience inuence their decision making and their love for each other? How does it impact their abilities to help others?5. Some of the most important characters inChasing Sopheahave names that imply multifaceted relationships (Uncle Brother, Aunt Baby). What does Gabrielle Pina suggest about the changing/ mutable roles of family members, especially in times of crisis?6. Forbidden lust and temptations recur throughout this tale. Who succumbs to temptation, and what does it reveal about their personalities?7. Aunt Baby is a great mother to Dante, even though she didn't give birth to him. Lucius is distressed at the way his mother abandoned him. Dahlia certainly suffered at the hands of her mother, and Isabel seems to have as well. What does Gabrielle Pina suggest about mothering and how motherly love impacts families?8. Revelations and reckoning are dominant themes in this novel: everyone brings a different element of truth to light. In talking to Dahlia, Baby reassures her that the world will keep spinning even when they discuss the truth. What truths move this story forward? Are there any you wish had been explored further?9. Discuss the various methods for healing described in this book. Which are the most effective? Why?10. The Culpeppers have always been set apart from the rest of the world: by Jim Crow laws as well as by the nature of their profession. How does their social and geographic isolation help or harm them?11. What was it that Dahlia needed to learn from Reva, Livia, and Jazz in order to heal?Pina, Gabrielle is the author of 'Chasing Sophea A Novel', published 2006 under ISBN 9780345476197 and ISBN 0345476190.