A Death in Cornwall

Compare Silva’s allusions to art and his allusions to music. What kind of music does the novel highlight, and what is music’s role in the narrative?

Gabriel works outside of official law enforcement, but law enforcement officers often request his help or at least condone his work. How does his status as a retired spy, rather than an active law enforcement officer, help him solve cases?

How does this novel build on the previous novels in the Gabriel Allon series? How does it disrupt or challenge thematic patterns established in those earlier novels?

How does Silva distinguish the rich from the super-rich? How do these distinctions develop the discourse about The Destructive Influence of Extreme Wealth?

Gabriel mentions that art dealers are often unscrupulous. What ethical considerations apply in the world of art sales? What specific financial incentives exist to engage in unethical practices?

How does the novel dramatize The Ubiquity of Political Corruption? What relationships exist between the upper echelons of the business and political worlds?

How does the novel present models for relationships—including romantic relationships, professional relationships, and friendships—between men and women? What does the novel suggest about the role of gender expectations in modern life?

Each chapter of A Death in Cornwall has a title that indicates where most of that chapter takes place, and Gabriel travels extensively. How do these shifting settings impact the novel’s themes? How do they impact the narrative structure?