Dr. Sigmundus: The Hollow People (The Promises of Dr. Sigmundus Book 1)
#1 in The Promises Of Dr. Sigmundus Series
on Goodreads (1,132)
What’s inside...
ON THE SINISTER ISLAND where strict obedience to the laws of the mysterious Dr. Sigmundus holds sway, dreaming will get you locked up and branded a lunatic, a danger to society and to all who know you. In this doomed and repressive place, two teens that were never meant to meet or share their dreams, cross paths and set in motion that which rips them from the lives they were meant to lead. Together they join forces with a ragtag group of rebel forces bent on breaking the grip of lies and illusions their countrymen have accepted without question. For fans of thoughtful science fiction and fantasy, The Hollow People opens a window on the unseen worlds that surround us. It is the first installment in The Promises of Dr. Sigmundus. Book II will continue the tale in fall 2008. From the Hardcover edition.
Character compass
Dante Cazabon
Bea Malafice
Dr. Malafice
Discussion points
How do you think Dante felt when he realized the truth about Dr. Sigmundus? What would you do in his situation?
Do you think control over people's thoughts is possible? How do the characters in the book resist or comply with it?
How does the setting of the Isle of Tarnegar impact the mood of the story?
What themes stood out to you in 'The Hollow People'? Why do you think these themes are important?
If you could have any power from the book, which one would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters and their choices, making connections to their own experiences wherever possible.
Discuss the concept of freedom and control presented in the book. This can help in building critical thinking about autonomy and ethics.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to visualize with your child the eerie atmosphere of the Isle of Tarnegar, enhancing their understanding and recall of the story.
Explore together the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Discuss what your child would do differently, and why, thus fostering ethical reasoning and empathy.
After discussing the themes, ask your child how they think the story could relate to real-world situations or their personal life, bridging connections between fiction and reality.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of questioning authority
Explanation: In 'The Hollow People', characters challenge the oppressive rules imposed by Dr. Sigmundus, illustrating the value of critical thinking and questioning authority.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by respectfully asking questions and seeking to understand the rationale behind rules in their schools or communities.
Example Lesson: Individuality and self-expression
Explanation: The protagonists, Dante and Bea, struggle to express their true selves in a society that demands conformity. This struggle highlights the significance of individuality.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace their unique traits and express themselves creatively, whether through art, music, or personal choices.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Dante and Bea's friendship offers them strength and support against adversities, which shows the importance of building strong, supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding that these relationships provide support and joy in both good times and bad.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: As the characters face physical and psychological trials, their resilience is a key factor in their survival and success, teaching the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to remain resilient and persistent when facing their own challenges, such as difficulties in school or personal setbacks.