1. This is essentially the story of four unlikely friends: Len, Tad, Stella, and Maddy. What draws the four of them together? How does each of the relationships change as the war progresses?

2. Len, Stella, and Tad are all involved in the war effort, Len and Tad as pilots and Stella with the WAAF. Why, for each of them, is it so important to be fighting? In what ways do their reasons change after they get to know each other?

3. Why is Stella hesitant to get involved with Len? Discuss the difference between Stella and Maddy's wartime philosophy of living.

4. From the beginning Stella sees Len as very young and naïve. Considering what you know of her past boyfriends, do you believe that she was really in love with Len? As the war progresses, do her feelings change? Why?

5. Consider Len and Stella's holiday in the country. How does their relationship change over those days? How do they each find their worlds changed when they return?

6. How does the death of Stella's father effect her? In what ways do Stella and Len cope with the daily casualties of war? How do Tad and Maddy cope?

7. Do you think being a pilot changed Len? Does having Stella to protect make him a better or worse pilot?

8. Discuss Len's trip to Scotland. How does the time away change him? How does meeting the two old veterans motivate him?

9. Why do Stella and Maddy go to London even though it is being bombed? How do Stella's feelings for Maddy change during the trip? What is the significance of her evening with John G.?

10. How does Maddy's death effect Tad? Was he in love with her? In what ways, if at all, do you think Maddy's death is responsible for Tad's?

11. In the end, why does Stella suddenly seem so eager to have Len's baby? Do you think that, if Len had lived, he and Stella would have gotten married? Do you think they were truly in love or just afraid of being alone during the war?

12. Discuss the ways in which this novel shows different aspects of war. Consider the descriptions of Len as a fighter pilot and Stella reading radar. How are their stories different than other war stories you may have read or seen in the movies? How is Stella's character different than the role women traditionally play in war stories?

13. How do you think the experiences of Len and Stella compare to those involved in today's war efforts around the world?