*** WARNING: SPOLIERS AHEAD ***

1. What did you think of the ultimate sacrifices both Eva and Precious made? Would you have lived a life the way they did?

2. Both Eva and Precious try to change their lives by moving to London—Eva also tries to change her name and her whole identity. Why do you think they chose to reinvent themselves? Was it the time period? Their station in life? Or their hope for their future?

3. Eva and Precious have to make very difficult decisions in the book—decisions that betray the dearest person to each of their hearts. Did you sympathise with them about the decisions they made? Or do you think they could have had made different choices?

4. Maddie has a hard time facing the truth. Do you think she addressed her dilemma in a way that others would have? What words of encouragement would you have given her?

5. What is it about war that causes us to reflect on the human condition? Especially World War II?

6. Why do you think Precious wanted the truth to finally be told? After all those years, why did she want the secret to no longer be one?

7. For most of her life Eva lived a lie. Who do you think Eva hurt most by living this lie? Or do you think she hurt anyone at all? Did she even hurt herself?

8. Maddie has to deal with the possibility of dying young from cancer like her mother and doesn’t want to have any serious relationships because of her fear. Do you agree with her choices?

9. The things that separated Eva from Graham were very hard to bridge, especially in England before World War II: money, social class, education, family background. Do you think their relationship would still have survived if Eva had told Graham the truth about her real identity?

10. Do you think Colin’s response to Maddie’s fears is adequate? Do you believe that he is sincere about his promises to her?