The Orphan Collector: A Heroic Novel of Survival During the 1918 Influenza Pandemic

How does the backdrop of World War I shape the novel’s events and characters? What is the relationship between the war and American Patriotism, and how does that relationship change (if at all) once the war ends?

Much of the prejudice against German immigrants in the novel flows from the fact that Germany was among America’s enemies in World War I. What other factors—historical, ethnic, racial, religious, etc.—drive anti-immigrant sentiment in the novel? Is it possible to generalize about Immigration, Racism, and Anti-Immigrant Bias, or is the nature of the prejudice different in each case?

How do the novel’s characters share information about the flu? Do different characters have different levels of access to information? What accounts for this?

Do you feel sympathy for Bernice? Why or why not? Did your opinion of her change as her character developed?

Finn shows Pia sympathy and kindness when she shares what happened to her brothers. What would you tell Pia if she told you how and why she left her brothers in the cubby?

What role does Pia’s “sixth sense” play in the novel?

Shame is an integral part of Pia’s character development. In what moments does shame motivate her? What other feelings motivate her, and when?

Is Bernice’s death justified? Do you agree with the Pattersons that she should be forgiven, or do you think, like Pia, that her actions are beyond forgiveness?