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1. Woven throughout the narrative of The
Year of the Runaways is a complex exploration of class and
economics. Discuss the rigidity of the class system in India. How does
social class prohibit or grant economic opportunities for the characters
in the novel? Does social class carry the same significance in England
as it does in India?
2. What role does the Gurdwara play in the community? Does it have
different functions in India than it does in England? Which characters
rely on it most heavily?
3. A sense of anxiety pervades throughout The Year of the Runaways,
particularly regarding the prospect of raids. Discuss how this anxiety
manifests for various characters. Who is most cautious in their
day-to-day life?
4. Discuss Narinder’s personal evolution over the course of the novel.
What is the catalyst for her rebellion? Which characters help to
challenge her ideas about the roles that women can fulfill?
5. Of the three male protagonists, Randeep’s entrée into England is
seemingly the least dangerous method. Discuss his experience getting to
England, and his expectations for his relationship with Narinder. What
hopes does he have for their marriage?
6. When Randeep and Avtar arrive in England, they initially stay in
Randeep’s aunt’s home. Discuss the interaction between Avtar and
Randeep’s cousin Aki on page 196. What does their conversation reveal
about biases held towards immigrants? About family structure in Indian
communities? Gender roles?
7. Discuss Avtar’s relationship with Dr. Cheema over the course of the
novel. How does their first meeting set the tone for the rest of their
interactions? How does Cheema’s own search for identity coincide with
Avtar’s journey towards citizenship?
8. Tochi’s class, or caste, identity as a chamaar follows him throughout
the novel. How are chamaars discussed by other characters in the novel?
How is Tochi’s careful crafting of an ambiguous "immigrant identity" a
means of survival? Discuss the incident with the matchmaking aunty. What
does this assert about the ugly and pervasive face of classism?
9. Early in the novel, out of obligation to Randeep, Avtar chooses Avtar
chooses to turn down the position that Dr. Cheema secured for him.
Discuss the concept of familial obligation over personal freedom. How
does this echo throughout the novel? Which characters feel that most
acutely?
10. How does food serve as a form of comfort throughout The Year of
the Runaways? Discuss how Tochi and Narinder’s relationship is
deepened through the act of cooking.
11. On page 289, Narinder asks: "Did these women not understand that
duty, that obligation, could be a form of love?" Discuss how Narinder’s
understanding of her duties and obligations changes over the course of
the novel. How does her faith cause familial tension? How does her
relationship with Savraj expand her worldview?
12. How would you characterize Avtar and Randeep’s relationship? How
much of their bond is attributed to Avtar’s obligation to Randeep’s
sister? Discuss the scene wherein Avtar takes a job, leaving Randeep
behind. How does the desperation for jobs strain their relationship?
Other relationships in the novel?
13. Narinder and Tochi slowly forge a bond out of mutual respect and
trust, and eventually realize that these feelings are that of love.
Given the depth of their feelings for each other, why do you think she
turns him down? Is it out of guilt? Obligation?
14. The Year of the Runaways is a novel that celebrates the
incredible tenacity of the human spirit. Where does each character find
hope in the most dire circumstances? What comforts them, if anything?
15. Discuss the epilogue of the novel. How would you describe the fate
of each character? Which character, if any, has found happiness?
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