Topic for Discussion 1

How does young Marie Curie, or Marya Sklodovski, feel towards her mother? Is she close to her mother? How does her mother's death affect Marya/Manya?

Topic for Discussion 2

Why is Manya forced to speak Russian? Why are there inspectors at her school who make sure she does not speak Polish? What is it about the Polish language that they feel is bad?

Topic for Discussion 3

Why does Manya refuse to go to Paris the first time her sister Bronya suggests it? What was the bargain Bronya and Manya made when they were younger?

Topic for Discussion 4

Why does Manya/Marie have to begin her education at the Floating University in Warsaw? What about the University of France in Paris different than the Floating University?

Topic for Discussion 5

What makes Pierre interested in marrying Marie Sklodovski? What does anti-natural mean to Pierre according to...