Anna is a very young child at the beginning of the novel, and much of the narration reflects her perspective. How does telling the story from a child’s point of view affect the narrative? How does it shape the presentation of the historical and political contexts in the novel?

Analyze the characterization of Onkel Julius. What role does he play in the novel? What is his wider significance in the text?

The family learns to cope with various challenges throughout the novel. How does the family change and grow? How does their growth illustrate the novel’s key themes and ideas?