1. Characterize Shabanu and discuss her coming of age, including specific instances when she learns what it means to be an adult in her society.

2. Discuss advantages and disadvantages to arranged marriages, including such topics as dowries, bride price, and the mahendi.

3. Discuss the desert culture, including the food, clothing, livelihood, and language of its people. How does this setting control action and custom in the novel?

4. Discuss Islam as it affects the lives of the characters.

5. Find evidence in the novel that supports the preference for sons over daughters. Why do some characters feel this way? How do other societies feel about this preference?

6. Discuss the history of this area of the world. Are the historical references made by Dadi, Grandfather, and Sharma accurate? Explain.

7. Discuss the beliefs in omens, superstitions, and legends in the novel. How do they differ...