The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton: Discussion Questions

We will be discussing The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton at our next meeting on Wednesday, November 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the Newark Library's conference room.  If you've finished reading the book, here is a discussion guide provided by Princeton Book Review.com.

1. How do you think the tragedy Michael experienced as a child influenced the choices he made as an adult? At what point in one’s life is the past no longer an excuse for bad decisions?

2. In what ways did Michael’s uncle help or hurt him? Do you think he provided proper guidance? Did his actions in anyway contribute to Michael’s outcome? Do you think he cared and did his best? Should he have know more about Michael’s involvement with the unsavory characters that he became mixed up with?

3. If you listen to Michael’s inner voice, he was a young man with morals and a conscience, yet he became mixed up with criminals. Do you think this is because he had no options?

4. Do you think it’s realistic for Michael to risk his life for Amelia? What do you think the driving force in their relationship was? Loneliness? First love? Common bond?

5. Did Michael’s actions and decisions demonstrate courage or cowardice? Would your answer differ if he hadn’t survived the tragedy he suffered at age 8?

6. How effective was the author’s technique of using a silent main character? Did this approach enhance the book? The mystery? Did Michael’s silence make you think about the difficulty of not being able to speak? Was it realistic?

7. Amelia’s father was a manipulative person. Was it acceptable to sacrifice Michael for the safety of his daughter? How much do you think he attributed to the downfall of Michael? Do you think he compromised his daughter in any way? Does the end always justify the means? What do you think motivated him? Greed? Fear? Family?

8. Which characters, if any, grew throughout this book? Did the book or any of the personality traits of the characters provoke thought or teach you anything? Do you think the right people were punished?

9. How well do you think the book examines the effects of trauma on children? Which threads or actions in articular addressed this? Can a child overcome a tragedy such as Michael experienced?

10.The book examines the redemptive powers of art and the power being accepted by peers has on a person. Discuss this both from the perspective of the book’s characters and real life experiences.

11. Considering the outcome of the main characters involved in this story, do you think Michael regretted his decision?

12. The author shifts between the past and present and gradually converges the two. Did this method suit the story line? Was it seamless or at anytime confusing?
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