Calepino was blessed with good fortune. After his mother died giving birth to him on a slave ship, he was taken in by a wealthy woman who gave him every advantage. Then on his thirteenth birthday, Father Pedro, a devout priest, asks Calepino to assist him with the slaves coming into Cartagena. Soon he's fighting seasickness, living in squalor, and cursing every minute. That all begins to change when he meets Mara and Tomi, a mother and son who remind him of his own past.
When Tomi and Mara are sold to a cruel man, Calepino is more determined than ever to find a way to save them. Will this be his chance to change someone else's fortune, or will he put them all in more peril?
Enjoy! Please think about and comment on the following during or after reading:
1. Why is this statement true in Cartagena: “One man’s protection is another man’s prison?”
2. Who does the story of Mara and Tomi remind Calepino of his own story? How are they hoping he might help?
3. Describe Sacabuche and Father Pedro. Who would you prefer to work for? Why? Why do you think Father Pedro was later named the “Patron saint of slaves?”
4. What are Calepino’s special gifts and talents? Does Calepino have an obligation to use his gifts to help his people? Why or why not. Do you?
5. Why is Dr. Lopez brought to treat Mara? Why does Mara consider it a blessing for the child? How do Calepino and Dr. Lopez get along? Why?
6. Why does Calepino decide to go serve at San Lazaro? Why is it such a dreaded place? Would you be willing to risk your own health to serve others? Why is it an excellent place to hide forbidden books?
7. What became of Tomi and Mara? How does their situation become dire for both of them? How do they hope Calepino can help? Why doesn’t Father Pedro do something for them?
8. When Dr. Lopez is thrown in prison Calepino almost gives himself away for no reason. Explain why his confession would not have helped the doctor. How does Calepino convince a priest to lie?
9. Why does Tiburon say that Calepino betrayed Dr. Lopez? Have you ever refused to trust a friend with important information? 10. How do you know when you can trust someone?
11. In the end, what does Calepino decide to do with his freedom? How has he changed over the course of the novel? Do you think Calepino is following the 9th commandment of San Basilio (to be valiant and die for one’s race)?
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