Do you think the structure of the memoir makes it easier or more difficult to understand Lidia's experiences?

The student is given the opportunity to discuss the unusual structure of the memoir and whether they think it contributes to the effectives of the narrative.

Do you think the memoir would have been more or less powerful or moving if the author had not described her sexual experiences is such vivid detail?

The student is given the opportunity to discuss the explicitness of the sexual descriptions and whether or not they detract from story.

The idea of the body, particularly the female body, is very important to Yuknavitch's writing. When she allows her body to be whipped by her lovers, is she honoring her body? Why or why not?

This question asks students to consider Lidia's relationship to her body and how she understands what it means to...