1. During the novel, Scarlett struggles to come to terms with the fact that she doesn’t want children. Do you think this is a selfish or a selfless choice for a woman to make? How do you feel society today judges this choice?

 

2. Arthur believes that giving prisoners a second chance includes not asking them about their crimes. Do you agree with this choice? Would you be able to curb your worry or curiosity and ignore their pasts?

 

3. Scarlett’s traumatic childhood greatly shapes her choices into early adulthood. Did specific experiences when you were younger impact the good or bad choices you made in your life?

 

4. Scarlett’s good memories of her father were tainted by his crimes. Do you think she should have forgiven him sooner?

 

5. Gold explores various Jewish characters on the page. Some lean into stereotypes, like Scarlett’s father, showing the trickle-down impact that occurs when Jews are negatively portrayed in the media. Others, like Arthur, circumvent conventional notions of who Jewish people are and how they behave. Do you think mainstream media today reinforces Jewish stereotypes or shows a diversity of representation?

 

6. Scarlett lied to Daniel to reinvent herself and escape her past. Do you think she truly loved him during their relationship? If you were in her position, would you have lied to people?

 

7. When Scarlett first saw Emery’s tattoo, she felt betrayed and banished him from the farm. Do you think he should have told her about his past sooner? Do you agree with Arthur and think her reaction was too harsh?

 

8. If a person has rehabilitated themselves and strives to make amends for their crimes, like Emery, do you think they deserve a second chance? Or are some crimes unforgivable?

 

9. Do you think prison therapy dog programs are a good way to rehabilitate inmates? What do you think it teaches the prisoners?

 

10. In the author’s note, Gold describes being Jewish as a cultural heritage for her, not a religion. Do you agree with this statement? Do you feel this applies to other religions?