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In what ways did growing up in the era of Maoism mobilize May to seek refuge in America? What are the social and political differences between these two specific cultures that might have influenced her choices?
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6
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42
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June 23, 2025
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Overall, what did you think of The Jackal’s Mistress? (no spoilers, please!)
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22
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1303
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May 12, 2025
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"To rebel is unjustified. Purge bourgeois thinking, destroy the 4 olds: ideas, custom, havits and culture. Work hard . Work harder." This is might be a reflection of America today. How does this story give us a warning to rise above the noise?
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3
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36
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June 23, 2025
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When Lily visits Beijing, she realizes that she feels foreign even though everyone around her looks like her. Do you feel it’s common for many American-born ethnic minorities to face this kind of identity crisis? How does this mirror Nick's perspective?
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5
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54
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June 23, 2025
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Jenny, Matthew and Lily's maid, instantly builds rapport with May when they meet after Nick's birth. Do you think Lily is jealous of their chemistry, and if so, why?
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16
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110
|
June 23, 2025
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Why do you suppose the various characters – Monsieur Legrand, Nicole and Johnny, Geoff, and Edie herself, to name just a few – are so determined to save the bakery?
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10
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170
|
September 3, 2025
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Edie says she wanted to be a singer but “abandoned it altogether as a stupid dream.” She goes on: “Abandoning your dreams is like abandoning a part of yourself.” What do you think about this statement? Should one always hold on to one's dream?
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10
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80
|
September 3, 2025
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What did you think of Edie’s initial reaction to Compiègne? How did you see her opinion of the town change over time? What do you think this suggests about expectations versus reality?
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7
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112
|
September 3, 2025
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Edie accepts the job at the bakery with very little information. Why do you suppose she didn’t do more research before heading off to France? What do you think you would have done in her situation?
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13
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108
|
September 3, 2025
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Proust's novel Swann’s Way features prominently throughout the book. What role do you think his text plays? What overt references did you find? If you’ve read the work, were there more subtle allusions to it scattered throughout the novel?
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4
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110
|
September 3, 2025
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Is there a quote or scene that stood out for you? Why do you suppose it struck a chord?
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4
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88
|
September 3, 2025
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How does the author use French culture, setting and history to add depth to the story? Could the novel have been set anywhere else? Did you learn anything new from the book about the country, culture or the history of the area?
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8
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79
|
September 3, 2025
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Do you think Lucy redeemed herself, despite the things she did? Did you sympathize with her?
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13
|
98
|
June 23, 2025
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Dory tells Becca that “time don’t heal old wounds.” Do you believe this is true?
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14
|
136
|
June 23, 2025
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Nell watches Evie interact with Hazel and thinks, “One never outgrows the need for a mother…or at least the desire to be mothered.” What do you think of this statement? Do you agree with it?
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16
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142
|
June 23, 2025
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What kind of influence do you think Lottie has on Becca's life even after Lottie's death? Is there someone who has continued to influence you, even after they’re gone?
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6
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55
|
June 23, 2025
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Nell spends a lot of time researching her past in an attempt to understand her mother. What did you think of her endeavors? What information would have been easier to obtain now, and what would be more difficult? Have you ever researched your heritage?
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6
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34
|
June 23, 2025
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What was your reaction to Dory’s story and how Lottie reacted to Dory’s actions? What would you have done if you’d been in Lottie’s shoes?
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7
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105
|
June 23, 2025
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By the time he reaches college, Nick has developed a relationship with his father, but later it's clear he breaks off this relationship. Why do you think this occurred, and what were the factors that ultimately made Nick go no-contact with his father?
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14
|
149
|
June 23, 2025
|
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How do you think money and socio-economic status effects the characters and their choices (of lack of choices) throughout the novel?
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1
|
38
|
June 23, 2025
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The Triangle shirtwaist factory fire profoundly impacted Perkins. Can you think of other examples from the novel where a single event changed the direction of a character's life?
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12
|
170
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
The Devil Finds Work - As A Play
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14
|
134
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Which of Baldwin’s statements in the book did you find the most remarkable? Why did it stand out for you?
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8
|
126
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Throughout their lives, Lottie and Becca find strength and comfort at the river. Why do you suppose this is? Is there a place that offers you something similarly meaningful?
|
|
11
|
156
|
June 23, 2025
|
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The lotus flower appears as a symbol of the consistency of time. How does this connect with the three main narrators' desire to manipulate time? In what ways do you think May admires the lotus flower for its inherent characteristics related to time?
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3
|
76
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
Do you ever contemplate how your life would have turned out differently had you married a different person, taken a different job, or moved to the city you were thinking about?
|
|
22
|
168
|
May 12, 2025
|
|
What does the author see as the dangers of the way Black lives are portrayed in the movies?
|
|
8
|
88
|
June 23, 2025
|
|
What do you think Baldwin would have to say about today’s society if he were alive today? Do you think he’d have seen any improvement in the decade since the book was written? How about representation at major award ceremonies like the Oscar and Emmy’s?
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8
|
88
|
June 23, 2025
|
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Libby, Emily, and Jubilee all have to endure months of not knowing the fates of their loved ones who are at war. In their situation, is hope a positive force, or is it a liability?
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13
|
125
|
May 12, 2025
|
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What do you think the book’s title means?
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8
|
72
|
June 23, 2025
|