Masks & Disguises
This item of clothing, pulled tightly around Francis's lower face, serves as his main physical disguise in public.
What is a white silk scarf?
Before becoming a youth recreation center, Grenier's Hall was the site of this tragic event.
What is a wedding reception murder-suicide?
This military medal for "gallantry in combat" was awarded to both Francis Cassavant and Larry LaSalle.
What is the Silver Star?
Early in the novel, Francis views Nicole from afar, comparing her to this religious statue.
What is St. Therese?
This historical event on December 7, 1941 abruptly shattered the peaceful childhood of Frenchtown's youth.
What is the attack on Pearl Harbor?
Aside from physical scars, Francis wears an emotional mask by using this identity in Frenchtown.
What is a false identity / fake name?
This visual detail on the Wreck Centre door shows that cheap renovations cannot erase past trauma.
What is the red paint fading to a "sickly pink"?
The bartender at the St. Jude Club keeps a scrapbook titled this to honor local servicemen.
What is "Frenchtown Warriors"?
The children of Frenchtown start addressing Larry by this affectionate nickname, treating him like an insider rather than an elder.
What is "La-ree"?
Francis carries this dangerous object hidden in his duffel bag throughout his return to Frenchtown.
What is a concealed pistol?
Francis catches his first glimpse of his disfigured face in a shop window in this European city.
What is London, England?
This childhood friend of Francis repeatedly warned that "old doom" hung over the Wreck Centre.
Who is Joey LeBlanc?
Arthur Rivier argues that instead of movie superheroes, wartime soldiers were actually this.
What are "scared kids with guns" (or frightened teenagers suffering in filth and fear)?
When Francis enters the St. Jude Club in Chapter 6, this veteran recognizes his voice and promises secrecy.
Who is Arthur Rivier?
Before the assault in Chapter 11, Francis inwardly vows to do this for Nicole, making his later paralysis bitterly ironic.
What is love and protect her?
When Arthur Rivier gets drunk in the alley in Chapter 8, this public facade completely shatters.
What is his cheerful, stoic veteran persona?
Larry LaSalle subtly plays in this manner during the table tennis championship match so Francis can taste victory.
What is letting Francis win / orchestrating his victory?
Official media used upbeat march music and newsreels to turn horrific combat into this type of entertainment.
What is a heroic Hollywood adventure / patriotic propaganda?
This triple-amputee veteran in the London hospital uses dark, sarcastic humor to bond with Francis.
Who is Enrico Rucelli?
Larry LaSalle displays his complete lack of remorse after assaulting Nicole by doing this activity as he walks away.
What is whistling ("Dancing in the Dark")?
Francis commits this symbolic action in Chapter 10, proving he has given up on rebuilding a normal future.
What is burning Dr. Abrams' phone number / contact info?
In Chapter 11, the Wreck Centre shifts from a place of youth accomplishment into the site of this horrific crime.
What is Larry LaSalle's assault on Nicole Renard?
Larry LaSalle's mentorship gives Francis confidence, but it also creates this dangerous habit of mind in Francis.
What is total submission / blind obedience to Larry's authority?
Francis's inability to step in and stop Larry in Chapter 11 stems from a mix of shock, fear, and this ingrained habit.
What is his childhood habit of blindly obeying Larry?