1. When Eva reflects on her character as she says her Yom Kippur prayers, she describes herself as stubborn, proud, hardworking, and brave. How well do these qualities describe Eva's character? What character traits did she leave out?

2. When Eva hears that everyone from the Bedniz ghetto was sent to Auschwitz and killed, she decides not to tell Rachel.

Was this fair to Rachel, or should she have told her?

3. How does Isaacs use weather to create the setting and convey the mood of the story?

4. Kayla, Eva, and Uncle Nuchem manage to make humorous comments in the midst of dreadful circumstances.

What do their humorous comments add to the story?

5. Eva and Rachel are separated and reunited three times during the story. What do we learn about the sisters' relationship from each of these reunion scenes?

6. When Eva arrives at the factory, Hannah tells...