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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 is Victoria's reaction when she learns her sister Alexandra has arrived at Tyersall Park?

2. How is Catherine Young's husband described?

3. How do Astrid's parents react to the gossip column article?

4. Why does Astrid go to Wu Mansions?

5. For what does Charlie apologize to Astrid?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the reader learn about Kitty Bing from her visit to the dress salon?

2. How does Eddie treat his mother when she tries to contradict him about Su Yi's wishes?

3. What do Nick and Astrid have in common?

4. When Su Yi appears in the dining room for breakfast, what does her attitude convey to her family?

5. What is the narrative perspective of the novel? Why is this perspective important?

6. What happens when Nick arrives at Tyersall Park?

7. Su Yi dreams she is in Ranakpur, India. Who does she meet in her dream?

8. What does Astrid find out when she visits Su Yi?

9. How is the Bible study group described in Part One, Chapter Two?

10. Why does Kitty Bing lash out at her husband, Jack?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Nick finds his grandmother's diaries, he learns things about her past that were largely unknown to her family. What does Nick learn about her character? How does he react to what he learns? What effect do Su Yi's diaries have on Nick and his decisions concerning Tyersall Park?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Rachel's relationship with her mother-in-law, Eleanor Young. How do the two characters interact during the story? How does Rachel react to her mother-in-law's interference in her life with Nick? What is the biggest source of conflict between the two women?

Essay Topic 3

The storyline with Rachel's brother, Carlton, and Scheherazade Shang is introduced late in the novel. Why do you think the author included this relationship? How does it fit into the plot of the story?

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