Given its pervasive sexual content and its chaotic plot, A Son of the Circus is apt to turn away readers. But its very intricacy can lead to avenues for discussion that should be lively and productive.

1. The main plot of A Son of the Circus involves the search for Rahul, the serial killer. How does this plot connect to some of the subplots, for example the search for the genetic marker for dwarfism and the search for a place within the circus? Which of the plots interests you the most and why?

2. Why is the novel called A Son of the Circus rather than "The" Son of the Circus? Who qualifies as a son?

3. How does the circus become a metaphor in the novel? A metaphor for what?

4. How does the novel address what it means to be a religious or spiritual person? How does religion...