The Warsaw Orphan

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Rimmer’s portrayal of Warsaw during Nazi occupation balances brutality with moments of unexpected compassion and resilience. How does The Warsaw Orphan compare to other World War II novels you’ve read, particularly in its focus on both Jewish and Catholic Polish experiences?

2. Which character’s transformation throughout the novel surprised you the most?

3. Did the alternating perspectives between Roman and Emilia enhance your understanding of the story?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Roman faces impossible moral choices, like taking bread from a dying child to feed his starving family. What moments in the novel challenged your own understanding of right and wrong in extreme circumstances?

2. What role does creative expression play in your own life during difficult times?

3. Have you ever felt pressure to hide or change fundamental aspects of yourself for safety or acceptance?

4. Both protagonists find healing through chosen family rather than blood relations. How do you define family in your own life, and what relationships have provided you with the strongest sense of belonging?

5. Which character’s approach to dealing with trauma resonated most with you?

6. The novel explores how communities can support healing after violence. What communities or support systems have provided strength during challenging periods in your life?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. What parallels do you see between the systematic dehumanization depicted in the novel and contemporary global conflicts?

2. The novel shows how ordinary people became complicit in or resistant to oppression through small daily choices. What factors do you think determine how individuals respond to injustice in their communities?

3. How does Rimmer’s portrayal of rescue operations contribute to your understanding of Holocaust resistance efforts?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. What significance does the apple tree hold in the novel? How does it evolve from a simple garden feature to a symbol of endurance and hope?

2. Roman’s character arc moves from revenge seeking to justice building through legal and political means. What techniques does Rimmer use to develop this transformation authentically?

3. Which symbols or motifs appear most frequently throughout the narrative?

4. The novel alternates between Roman’s and Emilia’s perspectives across several years. How does this structure create dramatic tension and emotional impact?

5. What different meanings does the motif of bread and food carry in various scenes throughout the story?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine that you’re designing a memorial garden inspired by the novel’s themes of survival and memory. What elements would you include, and how would they reflect the characters’ journeys?

2. Which character would you most want to have a conversation with about their experiences?

3. If you could create one piece of art inspired by the novel, what would it be?