At the heart of Tomasz’s character is the question of whether he is a hero or a traitor. Research World War Two records about the psychology of cooperating with the Nazis in occupied countries and the emotional impact of such actions. Is Tomasz a hero? Why or why not?

Critical responses to the novel drew comparisons between young Alina and diarist Anne Frank. Research the story of Anne Frank and draw comparisons between Alina and Anne Frank as inspirational figures of hope in a dark time.

Two pivotal characters in Alice’s life are her mother and her husband. Compare and contrast the two and how they influenced Alice’s conflict between career and home.