Introduction

Following on the heels of her critically acclaimed book, “Season of the Witch,” Natasha Mostert's new novel, KEEPER OF LIGHT AND DUST, combines ancient mysticism with cutting-edge science, unveiling a series of mysteries: a secret clan of women called “Keepers” who have healed and protected warriors through the ages; a modern-day vampire who seeks something other than blood; and a succession of martial artists in fine physical shape who have suddenly and mysteriously died. Keeper of Light and Dust explores themes as old as time: violence, the redemptive power of love and the greatest desire of all -- to live forever.

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Excerpt

Rosalia came into his life during his gap year. He had just finished high school and hiking through Europe on his own felt like a great adventure. He was surrounded by beauty: soaring cathedrals, museums like jewel boxes, ethereal frescoes, heroic sculpture. He was happy. It was a year in which time was suspended and reality kept at bay. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1. One of the themes in Keeper of Light and Dust is that ordinary life is filled with magic. If you think there is something wholly mysterious that lurks at the edge of your peripheral vision…you may be right! Do you agree? Do you believe in paranormal and mystical experiences? If you don't, did the author still manage to create a believable world within the pages of the book?

2. Who is your favorite character? Please give reasons.

3. Nick loves Mia completely. But he also admits that he is uncomfortable with the fact that she is a Keeper. He realizes that Mia and Ash inhabit a world he doesn't understand. Do you think this bodes ill for their relationship later in life? Do you think Mia and Nick's relationship may be doomed to one day mirror the troubled relationship between Molly and Juan?

4 . In one of the entries of The Book of Light and Dust, Ash writes:

Love and life: locked together throughout evolution like binary stars. Is the desire for love as strong as the desire for life? Which is the prime directive; which the secondary, weaker force? Love conquers all, we say, as though it truly has the power to defeat that older, darker imperative.
Does it?

What do you think? Can you come up with examples in literature and history where either the one or the other has triumphed? In Keeper of Light and Dust Molly held on to the unconscious body of her husband and drowned with him, even though she could have saved herself if she had let go and swam for the shore. Do you think her decision rings true? Do you think this might happen outside the pages of a book?

5. One of the central themes of the book is that the modern world with its ever increasing reliance on virtual relationships drains us of our emotional energy. We form relationships on social networking sites where we're not really sure whether the people we meet are who they say they are. In the dojo, you can't hide, and you can't log off when you are bored with someone's company. Would you agree that this a more real and ultimately healthier environment in which to connect emotionally? Or does the idea of training to fight in the ring cancel out the positive aspects of the camaraderie experienced by fighters in the dojo?

6. Mixed Martial Arts (UFC) is the fastest growing spectator sport in the US. Why do you think that is? Thomas Hobbes described the prime directive as homo homini lupus -- man is a wolf to man --and Freud believed the repression of our aggressive instincts to be at the heart of modern man's feelings of depression. Do you agree with him that the imperative of violence and domination is hardwired into our genes? Do you think that if we repress these urges, they will find other ways in which to manifest themselves e.g. teenagers playing highly violent, if “bloodless” computer games?

7. Has your idea of fighters and the fighting world changed after reading this book? For the better or for worse?

8. And tattoo artists? Do you look at the world of body art differently after reading this story? Has it changed your opinion of body art?

9. At the end of the book, we see Ash as an old, broken man. Do you have any sympathy with him?

10. Would you agree that Ash is the one character in the book that makes a spiritual journey? Why?

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