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1. In the beginning of the novel, we read of
Jaya’s miscarriages and the collapse of her marriage. Jaya and her
husband have different ways of coping with their pain. How did their
coping mechanisms differ? How did they contribute to the breakdown of
their marriage?
2. Jaya feels the pain of her mom’s emotional distance throughout her
life. As a child, she always wished for a closer relationship and was
desperate for her affection. Their relationship is transformed by Jaya’s
trip to India. How would you describe their relationship before and
after?
3. Jaya travels to India in the hopes of discovering her family’s long
held secrets. She reflects that, after knowing her past, she is ready
for the future. How does uncovering your family’s past affect your life?
4. Jaya meets Ravi, her grandmother’s servant, and learns of the
beautiful relationship they had despite their different ranks in the
caste system. How does Ravi and Jaya’s relationship progress? How would
you describe it?
5. Ravi still carries guilt from decisions he made decades ago. Did he
do the right thing both times? How might the characters lives look if he
had chosen differently? Are there any other moments in the novel where
events could have been drastically different if a character made a
different decision?
6. Jaya learns the story of her pioneering grandmother and how in many
ways she was born before her time. How did her dreams and interests
differ from those of her family members and fellow villagers? What was
expected of her? How were her dreams in conflict?
7. Amisha had an arranged marriage and her role in life was
predetermined by society. How have things changed for women? How are
they still the same?
8. Jaya ponders: "maybe life is a series of decisions with destiny
thrown in." Do you agree? Do you believe we control our stories with
decisions, or are our fates pre-determined by destiny?
9. Amisha’s husband Deepak’s attitude towards her and her work at the
school changes several times in the novel. What does this say about how
Deepak views his wife? Does he love her? Does he understand her?
10. Amisha deeply regrets not helping a student whose stories seemed to
be a call for help. Do teachers have a duty to save their students, even
if it means risking their job? Does Amisha ever ask for help?
11. At the heart of this epic story is love—the fierce and immeasurable
love Amisha had for her children and the romantic love she had for
Stephen. Discuss how these two loves in her life made her feel. Were
they in conflict with each other? Did she feel like she had to choose?
12. What was your reaction to Amisha not telling Stephen the truth? Did
she make the best choice? Did she have a choice?
13. Badani explores exotic India, it’s traditions and long history. How
has India changed? How have things changed for Ravi and his family? How
are things the same?
14. Amisha longed for an education and dreamed of writing. Jaya is moved
by the struggle and her strength despite her lack of choices. The
sacrifices she made for her children and the courage she showed in
wanting more for her daughter. How can we be inspired by our ancestor’s
stories?
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