Compare and contrast the main female figures in the novel: Pierre’s mother, Madame Gaulloise, and/or Claudette. How are these women characterized? How does the text depict gender dynamics and the role of women in the Resistance?

The novel often examines the tensions between loyalty and betrayal. How does Henry experience both loyalty and betrayal throughout his journey on the run?

Describe the relationship between Henry and Billy White. How are the two men different or similar to one another? What is the wider significance of their relationship in the text?

Discuss the author’s style and manner of narration. What are some of the literary and narrative devices she uses? How does she make the serious subject matter suitable and/or accessible for a young adult audience?

The novel includes both military characters, like Henry, and civilian ones, like the villagers and Resistance members Henry encounters while on the run. How does the novel depict the different wartime experiences of each?

The novel includes plenty of historical context for World War II, particularly the war in Europe in 1944. How does the novel draw upon real historical aspects and events? What elements does it adapt or fictionalize for the sake of storytelling?

Consider the use of setting in the novel, such as Madame Gaulloise’s mansion, Pierre’s family’s house, or the Nazi prison Henry is held in. How are these settings described? How do they help shape the novel in terms of tone, ambience, and/or major events?

Henry often thinks back to his family life with his mother and father. How is family life depicted in the novel? What is the wider significance of these family ties in Henry’s characterization and/or character arc?