I take my hat off to you for continuing this discussion of The Human Body on Reader's Den. See below some questions to consider for your reading.

The Setting

So how did you experience this Italian platoon stationed at a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the treacherous Gulistan district of Afghanistan?  Were you engaged immediately, or did it take you a minute to get into the book? Paolo Giordano divided the story into three sections: Part 1: Experiences in the Desert, Part 2: The Valley of Roses, and Part 3: Men. What did you think about the way he chose to tell the narrative? Starting and ending with the title of the novel itself, what was The Human Body to you?

The Personae

Describe some of characters: the medical Lieutenant Alessandro Egitto, First Corporal Major Angelo Torsu, troop leader Marshal Antonio René, Corporal Major Roberto Ietri, Major Francesco Caderna, or the only female Corporal Major Giulia Zampieri. What were the differences and similarities between those in command and the rank and file?

Is there such a thing as a "military personality"? And if so, do the personality traits and characteristics of these platoon members differ greatly from the average person? For instance, how did platoon member Lieutenant Egitto deal with his ties to his family? What were platoon members relationships with individuals such as the interpreter Abib and masseuse Oxana?

Do you find that these characters change by the end of the narrative? Do they learn something about themselves and their surroundings?

The Resolution

Was the ending satisfying? If so, why? If not, why not... and how would you change it? After reading the book, what is Giordano getting at, what larger issue is he exploring? Has this novel broadened your perspective on human dynamics?

There is an interesting interview with Paulo Giordano and Mitzi Rapkin on Aspen Public Radio’s show First Draft, which features the novelist as he discusses The Human Body among other things readers and writers alike would enjoy.

Click on Part 1 (Introduction) or Part 3 (Book Suggestions) links of the discussion at any time.