1) As illustrated in the excerpt from the novel (above), Joan Leegant’s writing operates on multiple levels. What is left unsaid in the exchange between Yona and Hila? What is metaphorical?

2) Yona’s name means dove in Hebrew and Dena’s name is derived from the Hebrew word din – to judge. Do these sisters embody the symbolism of their names? 

3) Discuss Mark Greenglass’s spiritual crisis. Is his dilemma satisfactorily resolved?

4) How does Leegant effectively use metaphors throughout the novel?

5) What is the effect of bringing together three distinctive story lines in the novel?

6) Explore the idea of “recalibrating” the heart after a shock. How does this recalibration work in the novel? In the Israel that Leegant has portrayed?

7) Discuss answers to the question on Leegant’s Web site: “How far are we willing to go in the name of a cause?”