Book Club Discussion Questions
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Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
- Did your impression of the child on the cover change by the
novel's end? What about the title? Describe the various meanings
it holds throughout the story.
- From the Italian Hall Disaster and its parallel tragedy at Bethnal
Green Station to the efforts of MI9, Houdini, and the Dutch
Resistance, plus those of the Engelandvaarders, The Ways We
Hide highlights myriad stunning pieces of history. Which among
them fascinated and/or surprised you most?
- Love, loss, family, and sacrifice are major themes of the novel
and the driving force behind many of Fenna's and Arie's actions.
Did you largely agree or disagree with Fenna's decisions? What
about Arie's?
- Several objects throughout the story—including the toy train,
buttons, and, most frequently, a ball of string—help forge lasting
bonds between characters. Which item was your favorite?
Likewise, which possessions in your own life carry deep sentimental value given their link to a person or relationship?
- Were you familiar with MI9 prior to reading this book? Which
gadgets did you enjoy learning about most?
- From Fenna's childhood, the stampede on Christmas Eve
contributed significantly to shaping her life, even decades later.
What childhood experience(s) most altered your own life? Were
there resulting obstacles you later learned to overcome?
Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Sourcebooks. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.
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