The American (A Very Private Gentleman) [Paperback]

The locals in the southern Italian town where he lives call him Signor Farfalla--Mr. Butterfly: for he is a discreet gentleman who paints rare butterflies. His life is inconspicuous--mornings spent brushing at a canvas, afternoons idling in the cafes, and evening talks with his friend the town priest over a glass of brandy.

Yet there are other sides to this gentleman's life: Clara: the young student who moonlights in the town bordello. And another woman who arrives with $100,000 and a commission, but not for a painting of butterflies.

With this assignment returns the dark fear that has dogged Signor Farfalla's mysterious life. Almost instantly, he senses a deadly circle closing in on him, one which he may or may not elude. Part thriller, part character study, part drama of deceit and self-betrayal,The American(A Very Private Gentleman)shows Martin Booth at the very height of his powers.

1. Farfalla talks about the village life in England as opposed to village life in Italy. In Italy they leave him alone and allow him his privacy, but in England they are nosy and suspicious. What accounts for this difference?

2. Farfalla tells us on p.32 in effect that it is better to change the way the world is perceived than to change the world itself. Why does he believe this? Do you think he would still feel that way if he were not in his line of work?

3. Is Farfalla cynical? Or is he just realistic?

4. Early in the novel, Farfalla talks about being indifferent to death, referencing Ancient Greek philosophy. He claims that death is not to be feared because it is just nothingness, merely a door between existing and ceasing to exist. Do you believe him when he says this? Or is this just something he tells himself because he is afraid?

5. Why do you think that Clara takes such an interest in Farfalla? Is she just scheming after him like Dindina, or does she really love him? What do you think she loves about him? Does she seel(