Mercury Pictures Presents

Consider the portrayal of immigrant women in Marra’s novel. How do their experiences and difficulties differ from those of their male counterparts?

Discuss the significance of Anna’s work as a miniaturist to the novel as a whole.

Describing The Falling Soldier by Robert Capa, Nino describes the war photographer’s camera as “a machine for converting light into evidence” (99). Discuss the significance of photography in Marra’s novel. How does Nino’s attitude to the medium change? How does the motif of photography reflect the novel’s thematic concern with appearance and reality?

When she swims in the Busento at the end of the novel, Annunziata refers to the prisoners buried with Alaric as “bit players” and reflects on the unfairness of their fate. Explain the significance of “bit players” to Marra’s narrative as a whole.

Why does Anthony Marra include the real-life figure of Bela Lugosi in his cast of fictional characters? What is the significance of Lugosi and his story to the novel as a whole?

When Annunziata migrates from Rome to California, why does she bring a suitcase full of earth with her? Discuss the significance of earth and digging in Marra’s novel.

Consider the novel’s treatment of Eddie Lu. How does his characterization and narrative trajectory reflect the central themes of the narrative?

Many of the characters in Mercury Pictures Present are afflicted by “survivor’s guilt” of one kind or another. Discuss the impact this affliction has on their relationships and choices.