1. In Chapter 28, what does Genevieve tell Belle to make her realize what she is risking by getting drunk and behaving the way she has since she returned from Europe?

2. What does Belle learn from Rachel Costelloe, Mary Berenson's daughter?

3. Why does Belle tell her mother that she chooses audacious colors for her wardrobe in Chpater 15?

4. What is the arrangement between Belle and her French maid, Marie, in Chapter 22?

5. What do Belle's friends Katrina and Evelyn do now when she connects with them in Chapter 20?

6. How does Bernard respond when Belle tells him she is pregnant?

7. What does Belle consider when she realizes that she is pregnant?

8. Who is Rita de Acosta Lydig, and why does Belle avoid her?

9. How is Belle acquainted with Bernard Berenson before she meets him at the library?

10. In Chapter 26, why is Belle in London?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Genevieve decides that she and her children will pass as white. What does it mean to pass as white? Why did Genevieve believe she and her children needed to pass as white and deny their racial identity?

Essay Topic 2

There is a confrontational relationship between Anne Morgan and Belle. Why is there a confrontational relationship between the women? How and why do they decide to keep one another’s secrets?

Essay Topic 3

Belle reunites with her friends Katrina and Evelyn. What does Belle notice about their lives in contrast to hers? Why is it more difficult for Belle to be her own person than for Katrina and Evelyn?

(see the answer keys)

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