The pace of Dirt Music varies throughout the novel. How do the changing perspectives dictate the pace, which is at times breakneck and at times dull and listless? What does the pace say about the character’s emotions during the lulls and frenzies?

Dirt music, Lu explains, is the raw, honest music that is played on verandas around the world. Why is this also the title of the book, and what is the author saying with this title and this explanation that strikes at the thematic value of the novel?

How do the characters Lu meets on his hero’s quest for Coronation Gulf aid him in his journey? How do the characters hurt his journey?