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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where was Vicente imprisoned?

2. Who does Anne write to when she admits guilt for not remembering a conversation with Myriam as a child?

3. According to Vicente, why is he going back to Paris to see a doctor?

4. Where does Guy plan to go?

5. What did Jean Sidoine leave for Myriam to use late each night?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Myriam and Vicente's relationship with Yves change after they move back to Paris?

2. According to Lélia, why did Myriam stay quiet about the past?

3. Who typically frequented the youth hostel where Myriam stayed?

4. What was strange about Vicente registering Lélia's birth?

5. What do Lélia and Anne find on their car outside the town hall?

6. Why did Myriam go to Dijon?

7. What was Marseille like for Myriam?

8. What happened after Lélia asked who her biological father was?

9. In Chapter 25, what does Lélia tell Anne about her first months of life?

10. What kind of relationship did Lélia have with Yves?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of beginning the story by learning about Ephraïm and Emma? Why do you think Berest chose to begin the story with these characters rather than Nachman and Esther or Myriam's birth?

Essay Topic 2

Explore the symbolism of the actual postcard in the novel. What does it represent? Does solving the mystery change anything? How does the postcard change Anne's life? What about Lélia's life?

Essay Topic 3

Consider the theme of doubles or repetition in the family. For example, Myriam is doubled in the character of Anne. Why is this theme significant?

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