Why is it important that the narrator who opens the book with her observations of Karim remains unnamed? What do you make of her statement that she “is going to be a writer” (17)?

The anonymous narrator calls Karim a “catalyst,” implying he is unchanged by the fight with Dave. Is this statement accurate? How does Karim’s own description of his “reaction” differ from the narrator’s?

This book features at least two scenes of female violation: Dave’s groping of My-Lan, and Maha’s rape. In addition, the bombing of Nada’s house is also referred to as “obscene,” and “ravaged.” What commentary does this book make on violence against women? How are race and racism related to that violence?