Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

Synopsis
Inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this debut novel reveals a story of love, redemption, and secrets that were hidden for decades.

New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon. But Caroline’s world is forever changed when Hitler’s army invades Poland in September 1939—and then sets its sights on France.

An ocean away from Caroline, Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager, senses her carefree youth disappearing as she is drawn deeper into her role as courier for the underground resistance movement. In a tense atmosphere of watchful eyes and suspecting neighbors, one false move can have dire consequences.

For the ambitious young German doctor, Herta Oberheuser, an ad for a government medical position seems her ticket out of a desolate life. Once hired, though, she finds herself trapped in a male-dominated realm of Nazi secrets and power.

The lives of these three women are set on a collision course when the unthinkable happens and Kasia is sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious Nazi concentration camp for women. Their stories cross continents—from New York to Paris, Germany, and Poland—as Caroline and Kasia strive to bring justice to those whom history has forgotten.

What is a BOM (Book of the Month)?

At NRBC we use a more structured approach to our BOMs. We have a discussion leader and a reading date is set to start the book. A reading schedule is posted prior to the start date and discussion questions are posted each day regarding that section of the book.

More info under spoiler
(view spoiler)[

“Books of the Month” (“BOMs”) include:

• A reading schedule which can range from 50, 75, to 100 or so pages a day.

• Discussion questions posted daily by moderators and volunteer group members
who help one of us out. We love members who volunteer to write discussion questions. If you'd like to give it a go, just post in the thread the date you'd like.

• If the book is over about 400 pages, we'll usually plan a break day.

• Members do NOT have to answer every question, they are meant to stimulate
conversations about the books AND allow us to glance back upon them when the
sequels come out. This helps us to remember what exactly happened in the previous
book.

• We find this style of reading to be more fun than just posting one or two
sentences about a book. We feel this is what distinguishes us as being a ‘book club’
rather than just another GoodReads ‘group.’

• If you can NOT start the book on time, feel free to join in at a later date. They are
set up to make it easy to do so.

• Moderators are people too, so occasionally we get sick, have to work late at our real
jobs, or have something that keeps us from writing the questions. Please forgive us;
we're only human and we don't get any compensation for what we do--not even
free books!

• Likewise, if you volunteer to write discussion questions, but then real life gets in the way, please let the moderators know as soon as possible so we can organise a replacement

• Discussions and questions are set up to make you think, analyze, and see things you,
or even we, may have missed. Feel free to add your own thoughts at any time, if you
think we've missed something.

• If you've read the book, feel free to let us know what you thought about the book.
You can do so at the end of the read, or, if you can't wait, add spoiler tags
before you comment
(hide spoiler)]

Chapter Breakdown

Date		Chapters 	 Pages		 MPQDs
16&17 May	1-8		1-108		Lisa 
18&19 May	9-15		109-191		Jammin Jenny 
**BREAK DAY**
21&22 May	16-26		192-294		Marie
23&24 May	27-37		295-386		SandyL
25&26 May	38-47		387-end		Geri

Breakdown is based on this paperback version of the book

Book of the Month ~ Ruby Coin

How to Earn:
1 Ruby Coin for half DQ participation
1 Ruby Coin for Writing Disscussion Questions
1 Ruby Coin for completing ALL days DQs within month of BOM start
Example of ways to Earn Ruby Coins: (view spoiler)[
Receive 3 coins for: Writing DQs & Participating in all days DQs
Receive 2 coins for: Participating in all days DQs
Receive 1 coin for: Participating in at least half of the DQs (hide spoiler)]

Learn about Gem coins here

DQ volunteers
List Randomizer
There were 9 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

Marie (after 18th) Cedric Diggory
Lisa (beginning) Luna Lovegood
Jammin Jenny Draco Malfoy
Geri (last day) Ginny Weasley
SandyL Newt Scamander
=====================^^^DQ volunteers above^^^=======
Sandy C Bellatrix Lestrange
Melissa Lockhart
Megan Flitwick
Sophie Pomona Sprout
IP: 122.106.175.186
Timestamp: 2018-05-14 02:41:05 UTC

(view spoiler)[

DQ volunteers

Lisa (beginning)	Luna Lovegood
Jammin Jenny		Draco Malfoy
Sandy C			Bellatrix Lestrange
Geri (last day)		Ginny Weasley
Melissa			Lockhart 
Marie (after 18th)	Cedric Diggory
Megan			Flitwick 
SandyL			Newt Scamander
Sophie 			Pomona Sprout 


Back Ups for teams
Nikk			Luna Lovegood
Michelle 		Draco Malfoy
MelanieJoy 		Gilderoy Lockhart

(hide spoiler)]

res

In! Just started listening to the audible and it beautifully read by three narrators.

Looks good. I'm in and volunteer for questions. Towards the beginning, if possible.

Kathy wrote: "In! Just started listening to the audible and it beautifully read by three narrators."

Nice! Glad you are enjoying it Kathy. I read this book last summer during Towers V and quite liked it.

I'm in and volunteer for questions too - depending on which Tower Team I'm in and assuming this will be part of Tower Team VI reading.

My copy is ready at the library and I'm picking it up tomorrow.

Update: I have my copy of the book and I am on Team Draco.

I'm in. Just got it from the library.

Cool! My library has this book and I hope I'll get in time to join :-)

I have this book. I can volunteer for questions.
Team Bellatrix Lestrange.

darn, thought this started earlier. My library book expires in 17 days... I wonder if I can renew it...

Victoria wrote: "darn, thought this started earlier. My library book expires in 17 days... I wonder if I can renew it..."

Mine expires too and there are 7 people waiting for it so I guess I’ll read it now and then if I can’t renew, at least I’ve read it and can contribute to the discussion.

Karen ♐ wrote: "Victoria wrote: "darn, thought this started earlier. My library book expires in 17 days... I wonder if I can renew it..."

Mine expires too and there are 7 people waiting for it so I guess I’ll rea..."

I think I'll do the same, but need to at least wait until Tower starts! And I requested it from my brother's library as well so hopefully I'll get another copy, but it doesn't look promising :(

Looking forward to reading this. Going to try to find it online.

I volunteer to write DQs. If possible last day.. Team Ginny Weasley.

I'll volunteer for DQ's - Team Lockhart

I volunteer for DQ s but as i won't get it on e book until 18th May 0001 British time (reservation in) could i be after that Team Cedric Diggory

Victoria wrote: "Karen ♐ wrote: "Victoria wrote: "darn, thought this started earlier. My library book expires in 17 days... I wonder if I can renew it..."

Mine expires too and there are 7 people waiting for it so ..."

Needed to wait too and got my book extended until Mar 25! Yay!

Managed to find it online :) Can't wait to listen to it. Team Reamus Lupin.

I will volunteer for questions - Team Luna Lovegood

I’ll do DQs for Flitwick

I purchased this book about a month ago so I’m glad to see a buddy read for it. I’m on Team Hermione Granger, if that matters.

I'll volunteer for DQ's - Team Newt Scamander

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Looks good. I'm in and volunteer for questions. Towards the beginning, if possible."

I volunteered ages ago before TT and am on Team Luna Lovegood now.

Breakdown posted above

We will randomise DQ volunteers on the 13th.

Current volunteers listed here. Shout out if we have missed anyone ;)

I'm in. I just got my copy from the library. Expires in 13 days. Not sure if I'll be able to renew it. Might have to read early.
I'm on Team Tonks.

I'll do backup DQs if needed - on Team Draco Malfoy since Jenny already signed up.

Definitely in for the reading!

I'm in for reading this one

I’m in. I’ve wanted to read this for awhile.

Im in for the reading! Can do back up DQs for Gilderoy Lockhart.

I actually managed to get a copy from the library, so I'm in! It's been too long since I did a BOM

I'll volunteer for DQ - Pomona Sprout

DQ volunteers have been randomised and are posted above

Please let us know ASAP if you are unable to write DQs on that day.

Please also use consecutive numbering of the DQs for your days. So, for example, if Day one is posted as questions 1-8, day two should start at number 9 etc.

I'm good to go first up.

I’m in...Team Minerva M

Not my usual pick, but I'm up for something new... maybe I'll be surprised! In for Team Pomona Sprout

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS SET 1
CHAPTERS 1-8

1. LILAC GIRLS IS MARTHA HALL KELLY'S DEBUT NOVEL TELLING THE TALE OF THREE WOMEN CAUGHT UP IN THE HORROR THAT WAS WWII. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE?

2. IN THE FIRST THREE CHAPTERS, WE ARE SEPARATELY INTRODUCED TO OUR THREE HEROINES, CAROLINE, KASIA AND HERTA. WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE GIRLS AND THE PLACES AND TIMES THEY LIVE IN?

3. WHY DO YOU THINK THE AUTHOR HAS BEGUN THE NOVEL IN THREE DIFFERENT PLACES INSTEAD OF ALTERNATE POINTS OF VIEW WITHIN THE SAME CHAPTER?

4. DO YOU THINK PIETRIK HAS ROMANTIC FEELINGS FOR KASIA AND WHAT DO YOU IMAGINE HAS HAPPENED TO NADIA AND HER MOTHER?

5. DESPITE HERTA'S POLITICAL BELIEFS DO YOU FEEL ANY SYMPATHY FOR HER IN HER SITUATION WITH HEINZ?

6. PAUL SEEMS TO BE THE EPITOME OF THE SAUVE, URBANE FRENCHMAN. DO YOU SEE ANY FUTURE FOR HIM AND CAROLINE?

7 ALREADY I AM FINDING MY EMOTIONS ENGAGED BY THIS NOVEL. SADNESS, ANGER, INDIGNATION AND HORROR FOR WHAT I KNOW IS TO COME. HOW IS THIS BOOK AFFECTING YOU SO FAR?

1. Not sure about the meaning of the title yet. Maybe it hints for something positive and beautiful that ties the girls' stories together. I really hope so because WWII books are usually hard to read because of all the horrors of war.

2. Our heroines are all from different sides of war - "The Nazi" girl from Germany, socialite from New York, polish girl being in the midst of war and holocaust from the very beginning. I don't have a solid opinion yet on any of them. Caroline seems to be older and we'll see how she ends up with the group.

3. Different sides of war and I quite like the alternate POV's.

4. I don't see romantic interest towards Kasia. I really hope Nadia and her mom are safe somewhere hiding.

5. Weird situation. She is doing it for money to pay for her med school but it's disgusting.

6. I hope there is a future. But it is war time and anything can happen.

7. I'm the same. All these emotions. For me it's hard to read a war themed books because of the horrors of war. I have to read something else in between and then I can continue again..

1. Lilac symbolises first love so maybe it's something to do with that... I'm really not sure though.

2. As Skandia says, they are all coming from v different backgrounds and view points. I'm interested to see how they end up together.

3. Given all the introductions take place over a week or so and in such different places and from v different pov, I think separate chapters make sense.

4. I don't think Pietrik is romantically interested, but that he loves the attention from her. I feel like he's hiding Nadia and her mum somewhere.

5. It gives me a bit more sympathy for her. I find her difficult to warm too, but I can see how she thinks that everything that is going on will be fine. The mention of where she's off to work was truly chilling - her thinking it has a nice name compared to my immediate reaction.

6. If there is a future for them I suspect that means bad things for Rena. While I can see it, I can't hope for it because of that.

7. So many emotions, a lot of apprehension for what is coming for the characters. A feeling that Caroline's naivety is going to be shattered. I think reading this is chunks will make it more manageable.

I'm in for this read! I'm from team Moaning Myrtle.

I read this book in January 2017 and loved it! Yes, it's a hard read emotionally, but so good. I'm looking forward to the discussion here.
1. I know the answer to this one, since I've already read it, so don't want to give it away. I will say I was enchanted by the cover and wondered about the significance of the title when I chose it.
2. The introductions are very pertinent to the story and how they will all fit together as the novel progresses.
3. I liked the use of separate chapters. It helps keep things organized.
4. When I initially read it, I also thought that he was hiding Nadia and her mom. Romantic interest? Not really.
5. I felt Herta was in a very difficult position. I kept thinking about how she might act very differently if she could see things from a different perspective. So often, I think we only know what we have been raised to believe and we are victims to our political environment.
6. I agree with Skandia on this one.
7. This was a hard read for me. The second time around it's still hard, but bits and pieces are easier knowing the outcome. Other parts are harder for the same reason. It never gets easy reading about man's inhumanity to man. Sorry to be obtuse. I don't want to give anything away in my responses.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS SET 1
CHAPTERS 1-8

1. LILAC GIRLS IS MARTHA HALL KELLY'S DEBUT NOVEL TELLING THE TALE OF THREE WOMEN CAUGHT UP IN THE HORROR THAT WAS WWII. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE?
Not sure what the significance of the title is yet, although it does make me look for something hopeful in the midst of the war.

2. IN THE FIRST THREE CHAPTERS, WE ARE SEPARATELY INTRODUCED TO OUR THREE HEROINES, CAROLINE, KASIA AND HERTA. WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE GIRLS AND THE PLACES AND TIMES THEY LIVE IN?
All these girls are experience life-changing moments in the midst of all the turmoil. Caroline is experiencing pangs of love with a married man, Kasia is in love with Pietrick but I think he's in love with her best friend (who's now in hiding because she's a Jew in Poland), and Herta is in Germany and is starting to look around at life in Germany during the beginning of the war. They are all starting out at very different places in life.

3. WHY DO YOU THINK THE AUTHOR HAS BEGUN THE NOVEL IN THREE DIFFERENT PLACES INSTEAD OF ALTERNATE POINTS OF VIEW WITHIN THE SAME CHAPTER?
I think the place you are in during a war must have a dramatic influence on how you see life and how you handle life's challenges. I think by setting it off separately in each chapter it helps you delve more deeply into each character's life.

4. DO YOU THINK PIETRIK HAS ROMANTIC FEELINGS FOR KASIA AND WHAT DO YOU IMAGINE HAS HAPPENED TO NADIA AND HER MOTHER?
No, I think he's in love with Nadia, not Kasia.

5. DESPITE HERTA'S POLITICAL BELIEFS DO YOU FEEL ANY SYMPATHY FOR HER IN HER SITUATION WITH HEINZ?
Yes definitely. No one should be abused especially by family.

6. PAUL SEEMS TO BE THE EPITOME OF THE SAUVE, URBANE FRENCHMAN. DO YOU SEE ANY FUTURE FOR HIM AND CAROLINE?
No long time future, but perhaps a brief escape from reality.

7 ALREADY I AM FINDING MY EMOTIONS ENGAGED BY THIS NOVEL. SADNESS, ANGER, INDIGNATION AND HORROR FOR WHAT I KNOW IS TO COME. HOW IS THIS BOOK AFFECTING YOU SO FAR?
I was horrified by Heinz, and by the SS coming to Kasia's home and killing their "pet" chicken, and feel regret for what Caroline's about to do with Paul. I am sad about what is about to happen in probably all their lives. I think I may need a tissue box for this book.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS SET 1
CHAPTERS 1-8

1. LILAC GIRLS IS MARTHA HALL KELLY'S DEBUT NOVEL TELLING THE TALE OF THREE WOMEN CAUGHT UP IN THE HORROR THAT WAS WWII. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE?
I remember from studying symbols that LILACS (lavender ones) can symbolize many things, one being protection and another (and mainly) love, especially one's first love. I'm not sure this will fit in this story but it's one possibility, but it could make sense. I'm assuming the meaning is symbolic. But whether or not it's literal or a metaphor, it does have positive connotations.

2. IN THE FIRST THREE CHAPTERS, WE ARE SEPARATELY INTRODUCED TO OUR THREE HEROINES, CAROLINE, KASIA AND HERTA. WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE GIRLS AND THE PLACES AND TIMES THEY LIVE IN?
With 3 different females in 3 totally different parts of the world, there is a difference in how I, a reader, feel about each girl. Caroline seems to be protected, like what's going on in Poland and Germany don't really affect her because she's in New York and is a socialite. Kasia is so young (only 17) and lives in Poland where the Germans have invaded Poland. Herta is a young German doctor in Germany. I think that because they all have something to do with children that they'll somehow come together to perhaps help children.

3. WHY DO YOU THINK THE AUTHOR HAS BEGUN THE NOVEL IN THREE DIFFERENT PLACES INSTEAD OF ALTERNATE POINTS OF VIEW WITHIN THE SAME CHAPTER?
Honestly, I don't see how it could be any different, especially with all of the different backgrounds and living in places where the differences of what is going on would be way too much to begin including all 3 in the first chapter. It wouldn't make any sense. It would be like essays that are all over the place. Plus we get to know each person in her own circumstances much more intimately.
4. DO YOU THINK PIETRIK HAS ROMANTIC FEELINGS FOR KASIA AND WHAT DO YOU IMAGINE HAS HAPPENED TO NADIA AND HER MOTHER?
I do think that he has feelings for her, but not sure he loves her (at least not yet). I'm not sure what happened to Nadia and her mother, but I hope they are somewhere safe.

5. DESPITE HERTA'S POLITICAL BELIEFS DO YOU FEEL ANY SYMPATHY FOR HER IN HER SITUATION WITH HEINZ?
I absolutely feel for her. She's between a rock and a hard spot. She wants to be respected as a doctor, not looked down upon because of her gender. She worked for degree and she should earn as much as men do and be well-respected if her work is good.

6. PAUL SEEMS TO BE THE EPITOME OF THE SAUVE, URBANE FRENCHMAN. DO YOU SEE ANY FUTURE FOR HIM AND CAROLINE?
Caroline is smitten by him to a point of ridiculousness. She was too easily given over to him, plus he's married and that's not a good thing. He seems like a player, so I don't think they'll be a thing.

7 ALREADY I AM FINDING MY EMOTIONS ENGAGED BY THIS NOVEL. SADNESS, ANGER, INDIGNATION AND HORROR FOR WHAT I KNOW IS TO COME. HOW IS THIS BOOK AFFECTING YOU SO FAR?
I'm affected the same way. All three women's lives will be interrupted by the atrocity of a horrific war/holocaust.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS SET 1
CHAPTERS 1-8

1. LILAC GIRLS IS MARTHA HALL KELLY'S DEBUT NOVEL TELLING THE TALE OF THREE WOMEN CAUGHT UP IN THE HORROR THAT WAS WWII. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE?

I'm not sure yet, but I do know that lilac is a symbol of passion and love. It is a very feminine colour.

2. IN THE FIRST THREE CHAPTERS, WE ARE SEPARATELY INTRODUCED TO OUR THREE HEROINES, CAROLINE, KASIA AND HERTA. WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE GIRLS AND THE PLACES AND TIMES THEY LIVE IN?

We have Caroline the socialite who certainly seems older and like she has more life experience. She seems more privileged as she works at the Consulate and is also able to help out French children. Kasia and Herta seem interesting and have German and Polish backgrounds. Living in both those countries during the war must have been incredibly hard. These are my first impressions and it is difficult to form any real opinion yet. Looking forward to learning more about each woman as the book progresses.

3. WHY DO YOU THINK THE AUTHOR HAS BEGUN THE NOVEL IN THREE DIFFERENT PLACES INSTEAD OF ALTERNATE POINTS OF VIEW WITHIN THE SAME CHAPTER?

So we can see the contrast between what will happen to them and how their lives will play out. Also, to create a feeling of big contrasts right from the start in their lifestyles. Possibly to be able to build up the tension until if and when their lives intertwine in some way?

4. DO YOU THINK PIETRIK HAS ROMANTIC FEELINGS FOR KASIA AND WHAT DO YOU IMAGINE HAS HAPPENED TO NADIA AND HER MOTHER?

Not yet......I'm hoping that Nadia and her mother in hiding somewhere but are safe.

5. DESPITE HERTA'S POLITICAL BELIEFS DO YOU FEEL ANY SYMPATHY FOR HER IN HER SITUATION WITH HEINZ?

Very strange situation, although in theory she does have a reason to do it (so she can pay for medical school). There are other ways. I wonder what will happen.

6. PAUL SEEMS TO BE THE EPITOME OF THE SAUVE, URBANE FRENCHMAN. DO YOU SEE ANY FUTURE FOR HIM AND CAROLINE?

I'm hopeful there will be but it is too early to tell. Things could go either way, really.

7 ALREADY I AM FINDING MY EMOTIONS ENGAGED BY THIS NOVEL. SADNESS, ANGER, INDIGNATION AND HORROR FOR WHAT I KNOW IS TO COME. HOW IS THIS BOOK AFFECTING YOU SO FAR?

In the same way. Despite the wartime setting and themes of hardship, trying to get by and the fact that things are uncertain for all the women in the book, it is a very engaging listen.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS SET 1
CHAPTERS 1-8

1. LILAC GIRLS IS MARTHA HALL KELLY'S DEBUT NOVEL TELLING THE TALE OF THREE WOMEN CAUGHT UP IN THE HORROR THAT WAS WWII. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE?
We'll see...it's not super obvious yet...I hope it turns out to be something really cool though...

2. IN THE FIRST THREE CHAPTERS, WE ARE SEPARATELY INTRODUCED TO OUR THREE HEROINES, CAROLINE, KASIA AND HERTA. WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE GIRLS AND THE PLACES AND TIMES THEY LIVE IN?
During this 'time' it was difficult for women period...even Caroline who's living a 'nice' life in comparison to Kasia and Herta I'm sure doesn't have it easy. I can't even imagine living in a war-some environment...it must have been absolutely aweful!

3. WHY DO YOU THINK THE AUTHOR HAS BEGUN THE NOVEL IN THREE DIFFERENT PLACES INSTEAD OF ALTERNATE POINTS OF VIEW WITHIN THE SAME CHAPTER?
I believe it was smart to introduce the plot and the characters this way...you feel more involved with them learning the setting the characters are living in.

4. DO YOU THINK PIETRIK HAS ROMANTIC FEELINGS FOR KASIA AND WHAT DO YOU IMAGINE HAS HAPPENED TO NADIA AND HER MOTHER?
I like others, think he's in love with Nadia...I'm thinking/hoping they are likely in hiding.

5. DESPITE HERTA'S POLITICAL BELIEFS DO YOU FEEL ANY SYMPATHY FOR HER IN HER SITUATION WITH HEINZ?
She's a victum so of course I feel sympathy...it's difficult though as I've never been in anything remotely close to her situation. Times were different then.

6. PAUL SEEMS TO BE THE EPITOME OF THE SAUVE, URBANE FRENCHMAN. DO YOU SEE ANY FUTURE FOR HIM AND CAROLINE?
Not really sure...

7 ALREADY I AM FINDING MY EMOTIONS ENGAGED BY THIS NOVEL. SADNESS, ANGER, INDIGNATION AND HORROR FOR WHAT I KNOW IS TO COME. HOW IS THIS BOOK AFFECTING YOU SO FAR?
Because I am also a woman, I find myself wondering how I would be in those situations and of course, it's absolutely impossible for me to even imagine the horror, that like you say, is sure to come.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS SET 1
CHAPTERS 1-8

1. LILAC GIRLS IS MARTHA HALL KELLY'S DEBUT NOVEL TELLING THE TALE OF THREE WOMEN CAUGHT UP IN THE HORROR THAT WAS WWII. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE?
I'm not sure. There was a brief reference to the fragrance by Caroline, talking about her mother's perfume, but I doubt that is it.

2. IN THE FIRST THREE CHAPTERS, WE ARE SEPARATELY INTRODUCED TO OUR THREE HEROINES, CAROLINE, KASIA AND HERTA. WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE GIRLS AND THE PLACES AND TIMES THEY LIVE IN?
They are all so different, it's hard to understand how their stories will ultimately intersect, other than they are all affected by the war. Obviously Kasia and Herta have it the hardest, being in Germany and Poland.

3. WHY DO YOU THINK THE AUTHOR HAS BEGUN THE NOVEL IN THREE DIFFERENT PLACES INSTEAD OF ALTERNATE POINTS OF VIEW WITHIN THE SAME CHAPTER?
She is weaving a story - as I mentioned above, it's hard to understand how these three will come together, but that is the magic of a good storyteller.

4. DO YOU THINK PIETRIK HAS ROMANTIC FEELINGS FOR KASIA AND WHAT DO YOU IMAGINE HAS HAPPENED TO NADIA AND HER MOTHER?
No, I think Pietrik is using Kasia, knowing that she likes him.

5. DESPITE HERTA'S POLITICAL BELIEFS DO YOU FEEL ANY SYMPATHY FOR HER IN HER SITUATION WITH HEINZ?
Yes. She is in the situation many young women find themselves in and she has learned to deal with it as best she can.

6. PAUL SEEMS TO BE THE EPITOME OF THE SAUVE, URBANE FRENCHMAN. DO YOU SEE ANY FUTURE FOR HIM AND CAROLINE?
I am hoping they end up together, but I think he may just find Caroline a distraction.

7 ALREADY I AM FINDING MY EMOTIONS ENGAGED BY THIS NOVEL. SADNESS, ANGER, INDIGNATION AND HORROR FOR WHAT I KNOW IS TO COME. HOW IS THIS BOOK AFFECTING YOU SO FAR?
So far I am finding this book very depressing. This is not an easy or light book to read.

FYI I'll be posting my questions for the next part of the book by 6 pm EST tomorrow.