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1. How does the opening scene of the novel demonstrate the theme of voyeurism?

In the opening scene of the novel, Anna has her eyes glued to her neighbors' window, where a dramatic scene is playing out. Anna watches as John Miller's wife, whom Anna has nicknamed Rita after Rita Hayworth, escorts a contractor into her townhome. The two then begin to kiss and undress, while meanwhile Anna sees John Miller approach the house as he comes home unexpectedly. Though Anna's hopes of seeing an explosive scene are thwarted by John Miller's briefcase spilling its contents before he can enter the house, the theme of voyeurism is clearly invoked within this scene.

2. What crucial piece of information regarding Anna's character is revealed in her comments about the Hitchcock film The Man Who Knew Too Much?

The author seizes the opportunity of The Man Who Knew Too Much reference in order to reveal to the reader that the protagonist is a woman. At this point, the reader does not yet know her name or her gender, but is enlightened when Anna says, "This evening's selection: The Man Who Knew Too Much, for the umpteenth time. I am the woman who viewed too much" (3). In addition to her gender, this comment also reveals her love for old films, an ever-present motif throughout the novel.

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