Discuss the various narrative techniques, such as the flashback and the frame story, used by Pat Conroy in the novel. How do they enrich the narrative? Would the story have been told better in a linear format?

How does Conroy use animals and other natural objects as powerful symbols in the text? Discuss at least three such instances from the novel.

Tom calls Lila “a warrior of inalienable talents.” Why do you think he refers to his mother as a warrior? Is that how you would describe Lila? Would you consider Lila a positive or a negative character?