It’s mentioned that Taras was changed by his years in prison, growing from a loving member of the household to a constant threat. Why does Varinka retain her relationship with him for as long as she does?

Though Varinka is not Max’s mother, she does become a mother figure to him over the course of the novel. How does her role as Max’s caretaker contribute to her developing sense of self?

Eliza and Sofya both come from upper class families. What does the author accomplish by portraying the events of the Russian Revolution through their eyes?

Varinka, Taras, and Vladi seize the Streshnayva home on behalf of a revolutionary movement that espouses egalitarian values—claiming that everyone has an equal right to share in the nation’s resources. In the course of the novel, do these characters’ choices reflect these values? Why or why not?

The novel is powered by a strong female friendship, but there are also strong male friendships such as that between Henry and Merrill or Vladi and Taras. Can the story teach us anything about the relationships formed by men versus those formed by women? Cite examples from the text.

The author tells the story through the perspectives of both real-world historical figures and fictional characters. Was this an effective choice? How does blending fiction and nonfiction help bring this time period to life?

Sofya sells her hair and uses the proceeds to support those in need. What does the loss of her hair symbolize? How does this external transformation reflect her inner transformation?

Although Taras threatens to remove Max from their household, he ultimately allows him to stay and even helps enroll him in school. What does this choice reveal about his character?