[NFBV-Potomac-Announce] April Book Club Questions

[John Halverson]

              Hello Friends and Colleagues,

The Potomac Chapter book club will meet by Zoom at 7:00 PM April 1, 2026.

The book is the Peacock and the Sparrow. Details below.

The peacock and the sparrow: a novel DB123386<https://nlsbard.loc.gov/bard2-web/search/DB123386/?prevPage=search_books&from=%2Fsearch%2Fresults%2F%3Ftype%3Dbook%26initialLanguage%3Den%26language%3Den%26initialFormat%3Dall%26format%3Dall%26inField%3D%26search%3Dthe%2BPeacock%2Band%2B%2Bthe%2Bsparrow>
Author: Berry, I. S. (Ilana S.)
Reading Time: 11 hours, 40 minutes
Read by: Pete Simonelli
Subjects: Spy Stories, Human Relations
"Shane Collins, a world-weary CIA spy, is ready to come in from the cold. Stationed in Bahrain off the coast of Saudi Arabia for his final tour, he has little use for his mission--uncovering Iranian support for the insurgency against the monarchy. Then Collins meets Almaisa, a beautiful and enigmatic artist, and his eyes are opened to a side of Bahrain most expats never experience, to questions he never thought to ask. When his trusted informant inside the opposition becomes embroiled in a murder, Collins finds himself drawn deep into the conflict. His budding romance with Almaisa--and his loyalties--are upended; in an instant, he's caught in the crosswinds of a revolution. Drawing on all his skills as a spymaster, he sets out to learn the truth behind the Arab Spring, win Almaisa's love, and uncover the murky border where Bahrain's secrets end, and America's begin."--Publisher. Unrated. Commercial audiobook.
New York : Simon & Schuster Audio, 2023.

Please find the questions attached and below. The Zoom information is below the questions.

John Halverson


1. How does the novel portray the moral ambiguity of espionage work? Did your feelings about Shane Collins shift as the story unfolded?

2. The book is set against the backdrop of Bahrain's political unrest. How does the setting shape the story's tension and atmosphere?

3. What does the novel suggest about loyalty - to country, to colleagues, to oneself?

4. Shane is a deeply flawed narrator. Did you find him compelling, frustrating, sympathetic, or something else entirely?

5. How do Shane's relationships - particularly with Alma and his CIA colleagues - reveal his internal conflicts?

6. Which secondary character did you find most intriguing, and why?

7. The novel blends noir, spy thriller, and political drama. Which genre felt most dominant to you?

8. How did the pacing affect your reading experience? Were there moments where the tension felt especially sharp?

9. Did the twists feel earned? Were there any moments that surprised you?

10. The book raises questions about U.S. involvement in foreign politics. What commentary do you think the author is making?

11. How does the novel explore the idea of truth - who controls it, who manipulates it, and who suffers because of it?

12. Do you think Shane ultimately takes responsibility for his actions?

13. Berry is a former CIA officer. How does her background influence the realism or tone of the novel?

14. What did you think of the book's atmosphere - the sense of heat, claustrophobia, and surveillance?

15. Were there any passages or scenes that stuck with you long after reading?

16. Did the book change or challenge your perception of intelligence work?

17 If you could ask the author one question about the story or characters, what would it be?

18. Would you recommend this book to someone who doesn't typically read spy fiction?


Join Zoom Meeting
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8297256345?pwd=IxBkHB29q0XT0lucFjOe3vrA9ViSOU.1&omn=98155870236

Meeting ID: 829 725 6345
Passcode: 20201940

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1. How does the novel portray the moral ambiguity of espionage work? Did your feelings about Shane Collins shift as the story unfolded?

2. The book is set against the backdrop of Bahrain’s political unrest. How does the setting shape the story’s tension and atmosphere?

3. What does the novel suggest about loyalty — to country, to colleagues, to oneself?

4. Shane is a deeply flawed narrator. Did you find him compelling, frustrating, sympathetic, or something else entirely?

5. How do Shane’s relationships — particularly with Alma and his CIA colleagues — reveal his internal conflicts?

6. Which secondary character did you find most intriguing, and why?

7. The novel blends noir, spy thriller, and political drama. Which genre felt most dominant to you?

8. How did the pacing affect your reading experience? Were there moments where the tension felt especially sharp?

9. Did the twists feel earned? Were there any moments that surprised you?

10. The book raises questions about U.S. involvement in foreign politics. What commentary do you think the author is making?

11. How does the novel explore the idea of truth — who controls it, who manipulates it, and who suffers because of it?

12. Do you think Shane ultimately takes responsibility for his actions?

13. Berry is a former CIA officer. How does her background influence the realism or tone of the novel?

14. What did you think of the book’s atmosphere — the sense of heat, claustrophobia, and surveillance?

15. Were there any passages or scenes that stuck with you long after reading?

16. Did the book change or challenge your perception of intelligence work?

17 If you could ask the author one question about the story or characters, what would it be?

18. Would you recommend this book to someone who doesn’t typically read spy fiction?