1. How important is the romance element in the novel?

2. Is the novel fast-paced? What effect does the pacing have on readability of the story?

3. What is the prophecy obtained at Abdullah's birth by his father? How does it work out in the course of the novel?

4. Was Abdullah's father right to believe his son would be a disappointment?

5. Why do his father's first wife's relatives seek out Abdullah? What do they really think of him?

6. Why does Flower-in-the-Night think Abdullah is a woman? How does her misconception relate to theme?

7. What reasons does Abdullah have for thinking he cannot marry Flowerin-the-Night? What does she think about marrying him, and how does their relationship address the idea of social justice?

8. The Strangian soldier argues that it is right to rob from robbers. Does his argument make strict sense? What part does the morality of war...