1. Should Rizka have left with the rom rather than remain in Greater Dunitsa?

2. How is Big Franko a father to Rizka?

3. How good is Leric's excuse for Rizka's father never coming for her?

4. Why would Alexander title his novel Gypsy Rizka even though Gypsies do not figure in most of the events?

5. Should Big Franko take Rizka into his home or should she remain living outside the city limits in her vardo?

6. Although Gypsy Rizka seems to draw on folktale traditions, sometimes modernism slips in, such as Rizka remarking to Sharpnack that "You must find your inner chicken," a reference to present-day pop psychology. What other modernisms are in Gypsy Rizka? How do they affect the stories?

7. When Rizka is appointed mayor, why does she want out of the position? At last, she would have some power to set the town aright. So why...