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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What had Graham called the place he wanted his ashes distributed?

2. What is the reason Frieda gives for why Graham would have an affair?

3. What book does Annie start to flip through daily?

4. In Chapter 14, Annie initially does not let herself cry. Why?

5. How had Annie met Edith?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Lucas initially feel about his daughter? Why?

2. Why does Edith feel sorry for her ex-husband, Mike?

3. Why does Annie feel relief when Sarah leaves at the beginning of Chapter 14?

4. How does Edith respond when Annie says that, now that Graham is dead, there is nothing left?

5. How does Frieda feel, in the end, about hearing Annie constantly vent about Graham's betrayal?

6. How does being a caretaker of Claire make Frieda feel?

7. What is Graham's argument, as shared by Annie, regarding why people read fiction?

8. How does Annie's childhood home compare to that of Sofie's?

9. How does Frieda begin to feel admiration for Jeanne for keeping her out of the spreading of Graham's ashes?

10. How does Annie's feelings towards Mike's behavior change over time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Both Annie and Frieda long for beauty and loveliness in life. How do they each describe this beauty or loveliness? How have they both found it, at various times in their lives? How have they also both lost it? What struggles have they gone through to keep it?

Essay Topic 2

Annie returns to photographing people toward the end of the novel. Why does she do this? How does this make her feel? What does this say about Annie?

Essay Topic 3

How was Annie’s fling with Ian, and seeing him again after all those years, important to the story? How does reflecting upon this romance aid Annie in better-understanding both herself and Graham? How does it also help Annie forgive Graham?

(see the answer keys)

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