Rivka's War (Oser) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
1.  Many of the chapters in Rivka’s War are named for characters in the story.  How does Rivka change and grow from her encounter with each of them?  Which ones become role models for her?

2. One chapter is called “The Land.” How is the land also a kind of character that has its affect on Rivka?

3. Rivka wonders how she and Mischa have ended up on opposite sides of a political divide.  How do you account for this?

 4. Twice in Rivka's War, Rivka plunges into a deep depression. What are the factors that cause this?  What factors help her overcome it?

 5. Yashka is based on a historical figure. What attributes do you admire in her?  What do you find less than admirable, even reprehensible?

 6. Did biblical references in the novel enlarge your understanding of the events as they unfold?

 7. Many horrifying scenes are portrayed in this novel, though these are mild compared to what actually occurred in Russia and Palestine during the war and its aftermath.  Are such scenes appropriate in this novel? In any novel?

 8. The story is based on events that happened a hundred years ago. What relevance does it have for our lives today?
(Questions provided courtesy of the author.)

top of page (summary)