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Discussion Questions
1. What does Vlad's "rebellion" signal about his internal state?
2. What effect do her kids' questions about childhood and heritage have on her self-understanding?
3. Which of the three kids and/or two cousins is the most sensitive to their Russian heritage and why?
4. What is the nature of the tension between the three kids and their cousins, other than leftover childhood resentment? Is this typical of the Russian community or all immigrant group in New York?. Discuss.
5. How is the mother depicted in this book, as seen through the eyes of her children and nephews? Discuss her role in her children's lives at this stage.
(Questions provided courtesy of the author.)