The Things We Cannot Say

Critical responses to the novel drew comparisons between young Alina and diarist Anne Frank. Research the story of Anne Frank and draw comparisons between Alina and Anne Frank as inspirational figures of hope in a dark time.

Two pivotal characters in Alice’s life are her mother and her husband. Compare and contrast the two and how they influenced Alice’s conflict between career and home.

Research children with autism spectrum disorder. Using Eddie’s behavior in the store in the opening chapters and the closing scene where he plays chess with his father, how has Eddie grown?

How does the novel define an empowered woman? Use the four generations—Babcia, Julita, Alice, and Callie, each very different—to discuss what it means to be an independent woman.

The novel relies on the unconditional love between Aline and Tomasz as an absolute. Is this a realistic premise or a simple narrative device? In what way is the love story like a fairy tale? Does that help or hurt the premise?

What is gained—or lost—using the shifting narrators? Should they both be written in first person? How does the story of Alice’s evolution as a mother help readers understand Alina’s evolution into motherhood? In what ways are they both stories of emancipation?

In a novel in which neither narrator puts much faith in organized religion, the novel brings together Catholic and Jews to suggest the profound evil of the Nazi occupation. Using Tomasz’s impassionate declaration (Pages 170-72) about the nature of children, how does the novel suggest the importance or and the irrelevancy of religion?

Perhaps the most interesting relationship is the father-son dynamic between Wade, a brilliant researcher, and his autistic son Eddie. Explain the logic of Wade’s belief that Eddie needs to be challenged. Research nanotechnology for insight into Wade’s character. How does Wade overcome the emotional distance he feels from his son?