Discussion Questions for The Witch of Sonora by Johnnie Bernhard

1. Nocona means the wanderer in the Comanche language. How is his name’s meaning an insight into his personality?

2. Nocona meets the witch at a tourist market in Mexico City. When reviewing their relationship throughout the novel, at what point does the witch become a metaphor for Nocona’s personal grief and pain?

3. Hanna is the only other person in the novel besides Nocona who sees the witch. Why?

4. Sheriff Hoffman repeatedly says he is burnt out. What pushes him throughout the novel, ethics, or a moral code?

5. Is Lee Chapman a product of his environment? Nature or nurture?

6. Jo McKenney is a formidable character, who also serves as a foil to Nocona. How does she spotlight Nocona’s strengths and weaknesses?

7. Palo Mayombe is an African-Cuban religion. Discuss how the religion is used as a tool by Lee Chapman. Also explore the true crime story of this religion and how it was used by drug cult leader Adolfo Constanzao against Mark Kilroy, an innocent Texas college student on Spring Break in 1989.

8. How does Hannah serve as a spiritual guide for Nocona?

9. Explore the concept of moral injury. How is Nocona cured of this?

10. Will Jo be the next sheriff of Edwards County?