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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. Who did Emma become worried about because he or she stopped growing?

2. What was Lélia doing that made the postcard feel like a threat?

3. How did Jacques die?

4. How does Myriam get to the Zone of Paris?

5. What is the name of the handwriting criminologist Anne writes to?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the "wonderful day" filled with "complete joy" for the Rabinovitch family (58).

2. What was upsetting to Noémi about a tea party held by a classmate?

3. What did Emmanuel do when he moved to Paris?

4. What item did Maurice give Jacques?

5. Why was Noémi sent to work for Dr. Hautval?

6. What had Emma and Ephraïm packed when they were arrested?

7. Why were Noémi and Jacques taken to Auschwitz before their parents?

8. According to Anne's research, who typically sends anonymous letters?

9. When did Anne ask Lélia about the history of their family?

10. What did Ephraïm do after learning about Germany's new chancellor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of beginning the story by learning about Ephraïm and Emma? Why do you think Berest chose to begin the story with these characters rather than Nachman and Esther or Myriam's birth?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the theme of identity within this novel. How does Anne's journey reflect her struggle for identity?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the role of Paris as a setting in the novel. How does Paris compare to one of the other settings in the novel? What does Paris represent to the Rabinovitch family?

(see the answer keys)

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