Book Club Discussion Questions
- 1. The novel portrays both Ethiopian Jewry’s challenges and successes in their integration into Israeli society. Which stood out to you more in the different characters’ journeys?
- 2. The book touches on cultural norms in Ethiopia very different from Western cultural norms. Which cultural norms did you struggle accepting? Which ones did you relate to?
- 3. Which part of the story left you feeling angry or frustrated at how Israelis accepted new Ethiopian immigrants? Which part of the story left you feeling proud?
- 4. What did you learn about Ethiopian Aliyah that was most surprising to you?
- 5. Did Tigest and Kebede love one another? If your answer is yes, why? If your answer is no, why?
- 6. Do you think Tigest and Kebede will have a happy marriage when Tigest arrives in Israel?
- 7. What do you think will happen to Solomon and Meskie upon Meskie's arrival in Israel?
- 8. Do you think that what Josh and David did to the NICU doctor was unethical? Why?
- 9. Do you think Kebede ever considered returning home to Ethiopia?
- 10. Many families were split up during the time of Operation Moses. Should the State of Israel done more to guarantee that Azmera would have been housed in the same absorption center as her father?
- 11. Imagine yourself having to leave your country where your culture was considered to be primitive by most people in your new country . Would you be willing to give up on your cultural norms in order to assimilate into the new culture?
- 12. What do you think all new immigrants to Israel have in common?
