Early in the book, it's revealed that there is a terrible secret at the heart of the story. What is this secret? How does the secret impact the family? How is the secret revealed? What is the social significance?

How does Bart become acquainted with Corrine? Describe their relationship. How is the situation impacted by John Amos Jackson's presence? Compare that with Jory's relationship with Corrine.

Who are Clover and Apple? What is the fate of each? What is the reader led to believe about the two? What is eventually revealed about them? Is it possible that there's some other explanation? Support your answer.

What is the significance of Malcolm's journal? What happens to that journal? What is the significance of Bart's red-bound book with blank pages that he seems to read from after the fire? Compare this journal to the story Cathy has...