1) The experience of soldiers at war is a central theme in this novel, and yet it is all told through the perspective of Ora. How does a female voice at the center of this narrative change our understanding of Israel’s history of conflict?

2) Grossman is famous for writing about the inner lives of children. In this novel, he explores the experience of parenthood with passionate lyricism. Ora’s fears for her children as they serve in the army are familiar and ubiquitous in Israel. Is this something that you think American readers are able to relate to? How is parenthood and family life experienced differently in Israel and America?

3) Ora has complicated relationships with all the men in her life, including her two sons. What do you think of Ora as a mother? Does she mother Adam and Ofer differently? Why is she so critical of Ofer when his unit is charged with wrongdoing in the Territories?

4) Would you describe the relationship between Ora, Avram and Ilan as a love triangle? How would you describe Ilan and Avram’s love for each other? How would you characterize Ora’s love for each man? Do you think Ora and Avram will remain together after they have completed the hike?

5) The landscape of the Galilee is almost as important as the characters in the novel. How does the landscape change over the course of the novel? Is it significant that it is spring, a time of ritual sacrifice and renewal? What does Ora mean when she tells Avram, “Every encounter I have with [the land] is also a bit of a farewell”?

6) Later in the same passage, Ora also says, “But at the same time I also know that it doesn’t really have a chance, this country. It just doesn’t…If you think about it logically, if you just think numbers and facts and history, with no illusions, it doesn’t have a chance.” What prompts Ora to say that? What does she mean? Do you agree with her?