Do you think Delphine’s decision to pretend that her son is really Tilly’s son is necessary? Why or why not? Support your argument with evidence from the novel as well as your own historical research.

How do the different characters prepare for the possibilities, and then the realities, of war?

What do the years 1861 and 1916 have in common? How are they different? Why do you think the author set the story in these specific years?