Leo Africanus

The story is told from Hasan’s point of view. Choose a scene with a character whose point of view we do not get to see. How do you think that scene would go if it were told from his or her perspective?

One of the themes of the novel is the power even someone of low standing, such as a slave woman like Warda or Hiba, can hold in this society. Do you agree with this analysis? Do you think other women in the story like Salma, Maddalena, Princess Nur, or Gaudy Sarah can be said to have and exercise power?

In what ways does Hasan change as a character throughout his narrative? What are the differences between Hasan’s point of view as a narrator and his point of view as a character in his own narration?

Throughout the narrative, Hasan is building the argument that it is best for a society to allow different identities and points of view. What are some examples of society doing so? And how do they fit into his argument?

Imagine Hasan is alive today and is seeing your hometown for the first time. Given the themes of the book and what topics interest him, what do you think he might say about it?

In “The Year of Clemency,” Hasan debates his relative view of religion with Pope Clement himself. What past experiences of his support Hasan’s arguments in the debate?

Part 1 relies heavily on the narratives of Hasan’s parents, Salma and Muhammad. In what ways are their accounts untrustworthy or trustworthy?

Leo Africanus is a work of historical fiction. What does the book tell you about a specific societal topic of your choice (the treatment of women, poverty, etc.) within the time period?