The drought, or “the dry,” itself is a looming, inescapable presence throughout the novel. How does Harper use this powerful force of nature and Kiewarra's residents' connection to it to reveal aspects of human nature?

How does Harper's use of flashbacks, particularly those that are later expanded upon, affect the reliability of events and characters?

The bush, the rock tree, and the Kiewarra River are all places of significant events that personally affect Falk. Explore how they connect Falk between his present time in Kiewarra and his childhood.