In Chapter One, Pete says that Briarwood House isn’t the sort of place where people become friendly. Is this true by the end of the novel? Trace developments in the group dynamic of the Briar Club from the beginning of the story to its conclusion. What factors influence the changing dynamic at Briarwood House?

Both Reka and Fliss are newcomers to the US. Describe the different ways in which they adapt to their new land, using textual evidence to support your answer. How might their differing ages contribute to the strategies they use to get by in the US?

Each of the book’s chapters includes recipes. How does the central character in each chapter relate to the food described? Pick two examples and discuss this pattern. What is the narrative effect of the author including this material in the book? How would the narrative change without the recipes?