1. The story begins in a flashback.

What is a flashback? How does it contribute to your understanding of the story?

2. Paula Fox uses a great deal of metaphorical language throughout A Place Apart. For example, look at page 20 and 21 when she describes the Matcha River: ". . . The Matcha River curled and mumbled on its course ... " and ".. .

What kind of a picture does that paint for you?

3. Victoria's father has died quite unexpectedly. In Chapter 1, page 6, Victoria says her mother sounds angry at her father for dying so young. Why would she feel this way?

4. In Chapter 2, Tory compares two of her teachers, Mrs. Tate and Mr. Mellers. She feels Tate is sincere and interested in all her students except her.

Mellers is trying to be a buddy. Which kind of teacher do...