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1. What are the main themes of the novel?
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2. How does the book’s title relate to its contents?
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3. Which character would you most like to spend time with?
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4. Which character did you most dislike and did that character have any redeeming qualities?
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5. If you could hear this same story from another circus performer’s point of view, who would you choose and why?
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6. What made the setting unique or important? Could the story have taken place anywhere?
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7. What does the circus represent within this story?
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8. Do you think the nature of Selim’s death had more of an impact on Yusuf than if he had died by natural causes?
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9. How are Ellie’s perspective and choices different from those of the circus women? Are there ways in which Ellie’s Western privilege becomes obvious?
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10. Was Marina right to fire Ellie?
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11. What was your favourite quote/passage in the book?
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12. Does responsibility for Rex’s behaviour lie with himself or with society?
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13. Does Karl redeem himself by the end of the novel? Could you be friends with him?
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14. Which familial/romantic/platonic relationships are the most nourishing in the novel?
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15. In what way do mother figures/strong women play a role in the novel?
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16. Compare the father figures in the novel. In your opinion, who is the most perfect example of a father figure?
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17. Which leaders did you consider to be good and bad in the novel?
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18. What role does culture and otherness play in the story?
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19. In which ways do the Germans help the refugees integrate? Could the state have done any more?
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20. What prejudices do the characters deal with? Were there any parts of the novel that caused you to recognise xenophobia in yourself?
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21. Are there any instances of xenophobia by people of colour in the novel?
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22. Who has the most difficulties fitting in–Isaiah, Yusuf or the Turks?
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23. Which artist would you choose to illustrate this book? What kinds of illustrations would you include?
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24. What feelings did this novel evoke for you? Did it challenge your perspective in any way?
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25. Will Yusuf and Ellie’s relationship survive into old age?
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26. How do you imagine the story continues for Ellie?
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