4. Why does Reta include "The Hermitage" in her signature at the end of her letter of complaint about "Great Minds of the Western Intellectual World"?

5. How does Tessa discover the mystery of Norah's disappearance six months prior?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Reta view her trip to the library as a way of reconnecting with Norah?

2. What attempt does Reta make to bribe her daughter Norah to come home when she visits her on her street corner and how successful is she?

3. During Norah's visit from university the previous year, Reta states that she knew how "wildly out control" Norah was, how "she'd become dangerous to her own being." Describe why Reta comes to this conclusion.

4. Why does Reta initially think Norah's problems may have stemmed from her relationship with Ben Abbot?

5. Why do Reta and her writer friends at the Orange Blossom Room conclude that the concepts of goodness and greatness are incompatible for women?

6. Why does Danielle believe that Norah has embraced her powerlessness in society by living as a homeless person?

7. Why does Reta wake up with anxiety about cleaning her house?

8. Describe Reta's peculiar behavior when she visits Norah in early November.

9. What are some concerns Reta has in creating her fictional character Alicia, and how are they significant?

10. What does Reta's husband Tom do for a living and how is it significant concerning Norah's absence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the role that faith plays in the novel. What are the differences between personal and religious faith? Discuss Reta's views on faith.

Essay Topic 2

In the novel, Reta has several flashbacks about Norah in the weeks before her disappearance. Choose three memories and discuss what they reveal about Reta, Norah, and the nature of their relationship.