Discussion Questions

  1. The year of 1938 was momentous in Germany. Which events in the story did you already know about and which were new for you?
  2. Evelyn Brand prefers freedom, while Peter Lang prefers order. How does Evelyn change during the story—and why? How does Peter change in the story—and why? Do you lean more toward freedom or order? Has this changed during your life?
  3. Peter is impressed with the order, safety, and prosperity in Germany, especially given the condition of the rest of the world—a position shared by thousands of American and British visitors in the prewar years. What would you have thought in the same circumstances? How does the loss of his father color Peter’s views?
  4. As a female foreign correspondent, Evelyn “was held to loftier standards, paid higher dues, and took stiffer punishments.” How do you see this in her story? How does she work to overcome these obstacles? Have you ever faced problems due to gender, race, or other factors outside your control?
  5. Coming from an influential family, Peter has a strong desire to have an influence in the world. How does this shift during the story? What did you think when Evelyn contrasts her broad influence with Peter’s deep influence? Which would you prefer?
  6. Evelyn and Libby have been longtime friends, as have Peter and George. How have these friendships shaped them? How do these friendships affect the decisions they make?
  7. Evelyn dislikes depending on other people, but events force her to do so. What does she learn in the process? How does this affect her relationship with the Lord? Are you more like Evelyn or like Libby when it comes to independence?
  8. Early in the story, Professor Schreiber tells Peter, “When the storm comes, the reed bends but the stick breaks.” What do you think he means by that? Which characters act like “reeds” in the story, which like “sticks,” and which like “rods”? If you lived in Nazi Germany, which do you think you’d be?
  9. Herr Gold represents the many German Jews who slowly lost their freedoms and livelihoods, and who had great difficulty leaving their homeland. What struck you about his experience? What would you have done in his circumstances?
  10. Evelyn sees men as hunters determined to cage her. Then Peter challenges her not to put all men in the same box, comparing her dismissive attitude to how men treat her as a female reporter. How does this change her views?
  11. An important Bible verse for Peter is Micah 6:8: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” How does this verse change him? What does it say to you?
  12. Although Evelyn and Peter have widely differing views, they’re willing to listen to each other and they learn from each other. Is this something that is easy or difficult for you?
  13. Evelyn is frustrated that the German people have sacrificed liberties to have jobs and security and national strength, and Peter comes to realize that they “drew the line in the wrong place.” Where would you draw the line?
  14. Peter felt powerless to save his father. How does he compensate for this? How does he grow in this respect?
  15. Peter and Evelyn share many interests, such as classical music and hiking. How do these build their friendship? What interests do you share with your friends?
  16. At the end of the story, Peter tells Evelyn, “Even in the darkest night, the stars always shine.” How do you think that will affect them going forward? What does it mean to you?