Steel's books have such a popular appeal to female readers because they often explore themes and introduce characters with whom women can identify. Although many of these women may not have summer homes in Cape Cod and aspirations to win a Pulitzer Prize, they can still relate to many of the struggles and desires experienced by the characters in this book.

1. How does India Taylor epitomize the dilemma of the modern woman?

2. Must the reader be a woman to understand and appreciate the conflicts faced by the characters?

3. What does Steel have to say about both the social and personal function of art?

4. Are Doug's demands on India so unreasonable? Why or why not?

5. Compare and contrast all of the marriages portrayed in the book. What is Steel trying to say about the nature of marital relationships through these various depictions?

6. How many different images of...