House of Sand and Fog

Why does Dubus decide not to share Lester’s first-person perspective? Is Lester’s perspective less central to the narrative, or does Dubus elevate his perspective by distinguishing it from those of the other two main characters?

Behrani is painfully aware of his position in America, where he feels alienated. Kathy, on the other hand, is characterized by her lack of global knowledge, but she possesses a much more granular knowledge of America. What does the novel suggest about the multifaceted nature of American identity? Assuming neither of these characters’ understandings of America is wholly “correct,” can their understandings be meaningfully reconciled? If so, how? 

What role does family play in the novel? Both Behrani and Kathy are motivated by the pressures they feel from their families. Are there any through lines in these (and other) family dynamics, and what sort of commentary about family does Dubus mount through their juxtaposition?

Although Nick is only depicted through flashbacks, his absence looms large in Kathy’s mind. Kathy repeatedly compares her new relationship with Lester to her marriage to Nick, especially regarding sobriety and the question of children. In detail, how does Nick exert influence over the events of the novel despite his absence?

Behrani, Kathy, and Lester are keen to read judgment about themselves into their interactions with others. What can be made of this repeated tendency to project a judgment of themselves through the gaze of others? How does this relate to the novel’s broader commentaries concerning family, the nature of human conflict, and life in America?

How does this novel handle the concept of judgment? Every character believes their actions are somehow justified. Legally, Behrani owns the house in Corona, but every other character believes that his decision to keep the home from Kathy is unjust. Where does the narrative draw the line between the objective justice of the law and the subjective sense of “just-ness” that emerges through social interaction? Is there an ultimate recourse to one or the other? Is the tragedy of the novel a failure of one, the other, or both?

The alternation between Kathy and Behrani’s points of view suggests an equality of perspective. Does Dubus successfully maintain this balance, or do you detect more sympathy for one character over the other?

What are Lester’s intentions toward Kathy? What can be made of his decision to bind their futures together through their crimes against the Behranis?