1. Why does Miriam feel that she is different from the other women at the well?

Is it only her age that separates her from them?

2. How does Miriam deal with her society's expectations of a proper Jewish girl? Would you say she is religious?

3. How would you describe Miriam's relationship with her father? With Hannah?

4. Describe how the onset of Miriam's "fits" affects her relationship with Abraham.

5. How does Abraham cope with his paralysis? Does Miriam provide his only escape from his crippled body?

6. Judith's appearance in the household affects all its members. Describe how she changes their lives.

7. The valley is a metaphor for freedom for Miriam and Abraham. Why?

8. Abraham stops Miriam from choking during her second "fit." How does she react?

9. Why does Hannah become a co-con-spirator to hide Miriam's fits?

10. Describe the relationship between Miriam's uncle and his wife Rachel...