1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Were you surprised by the revelation in the novel’s final chapter that the voice of Truth was Fannie? Is there any evidence for this earlier in the novel?
• This book deals with heavy themes. What was your emotional experience reading the novel?
• A major theme in the novel is the widespread devastation caused by the Holocaust. What new information did you learn about the Holocaust from this book? How has it changed your thinking about this historical event?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Nico is unintentionally roped into one of the most heinous crimes in human history, permanently altering his future. Did you find his situation sympathetic? Why or why not?
• The tension between Nico and his brother Sebastian is central to the novel. Why do you think relationships between siblings are so often fraught?
• Which of the narratives—Nico, Sebastian, or Fannie—did you find most compelling, and why?
• Why do you think Sebastian and Fannie fell in love? How does their experience compare to your own experiences of romantic love?
• How did you feel about Fannie’s murder of Udo in the penultimate chapter? Is it justified? Why or why not?

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