Closure

At the novel's end, the carved-woman in the African market is sure that "there has never been any village on the road past Bulungu," and that "there is no such village" as Kilanga. How is this both appropriate and ironic for Orleanna in seeking closure? What message do you think Kingsolver intends for us to take away?

20 Years After

The Price girls finally have a small reunion in West Africa almost 25 years after they first arrived in Kilanga. How have they changed and how have they remained the same? Which character do you identify with and which do you despise?

As they reflect back on their experience, how do they feel about their father? In what ways could their feelings about their father be viewed as hypocritcal?

Exodus

What do you think about Orleanna just packing up and never looking back? How do you feel about her leaving Leah behind and letting Rachel go? Do you think Orleanna is a good mother?