Why has the author chosen not to tell the story from Jaenelle's point of view? What effect do you think she is trying to create? How might this connect to the story and to what is happening to Jaenelle?

Discuss the theme of innocence in this story. What makes a person innocent and how is innocence destroyed?

Discuss corruption and perversion in this story. What people and places are corrupt and why? What does cruelty and corruption lead to? How does it affect people?

Discuss the character of Kartane. Is he evil or is he also a victim? Can you feel sorry for him? Do you think his crimes could ever be forgiven or should he be made to pay for what he has done?

How does the author make the reader feel sympathy for Jaenelle? In what ways does she persuade the reader...