Who is Rivka Taubman? Why does the author feel it is important to tell Rivka's story? What kind of a parent is Rivka? How much of this reflects Rivka's own childhood? How might life have been different for Rivka and her daughter? Why does Sarah run away from Rivka? Where does she go? What profession does she pursue? Why does this not work out as Sarah had hoped? Where does Sarah end up? Why?

Who is Henry Cobleigh? What were the circumstances of his birth and childhood? How did this impact Henry's adulthood? Why did Henry take kickbacks? What was the purpose of this? What did Henry place at risk by doing this? What eventually happens to Henry? Why? How does this impact Henry's child, James? What kind of a man does James grow up to become? How much of this is because of...