The Storyteller

Josef’s request to Sage to forgive him throws her previously quiet life into chaos. According to Picoult's portrayal of good and evil, was it morally acceptable for Josef to put his life and death into Sage’s hands?

After being washed and dressed by the farmers’ wife who briefly takes her in, Minka says that “sometimes all it takes to become human again is someone who can see you that way, no matter how you present on the surface” (359). Discuss this quote in its original context, then relate it to the stories of Sage and Josef. How does the meaning change in each situation?

How does the Ania story mirror the stories of Minka and Josef Weber? How do the events of the fairytale enhance the message and themes of the main narrative?

What does Picoult revealing the truth of Josef Weber’s identity so late in the novel do for the narrative? How would the impact of the novel be different if the reader knew that Josef was Franz from the start?

Picoult references several mythical monsters throughout the novel: the Dybbuk, the Donestre, and the upiór. Choose one of these creatures to analyze in depth, exploring its mythological history and its symbolism in The Storyteller.

One of the reasons Minka is hesitant to tell the story of her past is due to the modern-day phenomenon of Holocaust deniers. What impact does the resurgence of bigoted ideologies have on the importance of sharing firsthand accounts of history’s darkest moments? In Picoult's view, do survivors have a moral duty to tell their stories?

When Sage kills Josef, she refers to her choice as “biblical justice…an eye for an eye” (454). How might the other characters in the novel react to Sage's rationale?

What is the purpose of Picoult leaving the ending of Minka’s story unfinished? Describe your take on the ending that Minka knew but couldn’t bear to write down. How does it affect the novel’s key themes?