Discussion Guide: I Am Canada: Brothers in Arms

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1. Instead of telling the story of the siege from beginning to end, the author began with the French having been defeated and then recounted the events that led to their defeat. Why might the author have chosen not to tell his story in a strictly chronological order?
2. Compare Sébastien de l'Espérance and Guillaume Rousseau. In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different? Why do you think they are such good friends?
3. How would you compare the leadership of Lieutenant-Colonel Jean Mascle de Saint-Julhien with that of Captain Étienne Boudier. If you were a soldier at Louisbourg, which one would you prefer as leader? Why?
4. What qualities do you believe make a person a hero? Who do you feel is the most heroic figure in the novel?
5. Throughout the novel, the author provides considerable detail regarding the loading and firing of muskets and cannons. What purpose does this detail serve?
6. At one point, Sébastien thinks "The enemy was strangling us before inflicting the final blow." How accurate is his description of the strategy used by the British leaders?
7. As the siege of Louisbourg continued, desertion by French soldiers became a growing problem. If you had been garrisoned there, would you have considered deserting? Why or why not?
8. Why do you think the British leaders denied the French the opportunity to march out of Louisbourg under their own colours? How do you feel about their decision?
9. Why do you think the author chose to tell his story from the perspective of the vanquished (the French) rather than the victors (the British)?
10. Examine the images found on the novel's cover and interior. Suggest reasons why those particular images were chosen.

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