This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part One, Beginnings: Dickens's Study, The Almanacs, In the Archives of the Banbury Herald, Ruins, The Friendly Giant, and Graves,.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is significant about the name of the author, Vida Winter?
(a) It is clearly a pen name, and her real name is a mystery.
(b) It is the same name as her father's relative.
(c) The former owner of the bookstore was named Jacob Winter.
(d) "Vida" comes from the same root word as "vitality," meaning life.

2. What process does Margaret use to write the biography?
(a) She writes only key words in the interview, then immediately after elaborates with pencil and paper.
(b) She records every word of the interview, then goes back later to eliminate what is not important.
(c) She has brought along a small portable typewriter; this works fine as her room is not close to others.
(d) She uses a small tape recorder; with this aid she can get nearly every conversation written down.

3. What is tragic about the birth of Isabelle, the twins' mother?
(a) Her father died trying to get home in a storm to help with the birth of the child.
(b) Her father killed her mother as soon as the baby was born.
(c) The baby was deprived of oxygen, and her mother died in childbirth.
(d) Her parents wanted a boy; they initially thought of killing her.

4. Who meets Margaret at the door of Miss Winter's house?
(a) A cranky, impolite butler named Jansen.
(b) A young child who holds a large black dog on a leash.
(c) Judith, the housekeeper.
(d) Miss Winter, herself.

5. In the beginning of the book, who has sent Margaret a surprising letter?
(a) Margaret's twin, separated from Margaret for years.
(b) Vida Winter's daughter.
(c) The manager of Vida Winter's estate.
(d) Vida Winter, an author.