1. When the Apricots Bloom was partly inspired by the author’s own experiences living in Baghdad under Saddam Hussein, at a time when Western sanctions kept Iraq virtually cut off from the outside world. During that period, her closest Iraqi friend worked as a secret police informant and reported on her every move. Did her portrayal of life in Baghdad seem realistic to you?

2. What did you learn about life for ordinary Iraqis that surprised you?

3. If you were in Huda’s situation, how would you have responded to the orders from the secret police? Should Huda have felt guilty about any of her actions?

4. Compared to Huda, how does Rania handle pressure from the regime? Does her family’s status protect her, or is that just an illusion?

* Some questions from Book Clubz