The characters of Wilkinson’s novel are always keeping secrets from each other, and each character must determine which secrets are meant to be kept and which are meant to be shared. Which secrets in the novel stand out as necessary? Select one secret that seems dangerous and one that seems harmless and analyze the motivations of the character(s) in question for choosing to keep such secrets.

All the characters fear the government, including members of the mukhabarat. Based on the events in the novel, is a fear-based system of government an effective one? Analyze at least two examples from the text to support your position.

Nationalism takes on many forms in the novel, including the cleric’s theocratic view, Kareem’s democratic view, and Abdul Amir’s patriotic stance. Compare and contrast the views of these three characters’ perspectives. How does each man seek to idolize and improve Iraq? Use examples from the text to support your analysis.