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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 does David tell his parents in a letter?

2. What has been difficult for Andreas?

3. What has David noticed that Vonni has never done in the group's presence?

4. What does Miriam admit to David when he calls home at the beginning of Chapter 14?

5. At the start of Chapter 13, what does the widow want to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the saga of Vonni's marriage as she explains it to Elsa.

2. Why does Vonni share her secrets with the tourists?

3. What do Vonni and Andreas think they might have done differently in the past?

4. What event causes Fiona to leave Shane for good?

5. What advice does Thomas receive from his mother?

6. Why does Adonis choose not to call his father, Andreas?

7. Why does Georgi feel guilty?

8. Once he reaches Athens, what thoughts does Shane have about Fiona?

9. Why is Barbara, Fiona's mother, excited when Shane calls?

10. What change do the others notice in Fiona?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In several instances, the author refers to "Catholic guilt" and "Jewish guilt." Explain how this guilt affects the various characters.

Essay Topic 2

Reconciliation is a powerful theme throughout the novel. What motivates each of the main characters to seek reconciliation with their friends and family members from whom they'd been estranged?

Essay Topic 3

What qualities or outlooks on life do the main characters share? Choose two of the main characters and compare and contrast them in terms of their character traits and experiences.

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