1. The book opens with the South American proverb: "A woman must be a lady in the living room, a chef in the kitchen and a courtesan in the bedroom." Can a woman possibly be all three?

2. Although Pilar and Gabriela were extremely close, what differences do you think exist between the Americanized granddaughter, and the South American-born grandmother?

3. How do you think Pilar would have reacted to the secrets revealed in the journals, had her grandmother told them to her in person?

4. Do you believe South-American women have it easier, in their courtship with romantic suitors, than do Americanized women?

5. In the end, do you feel Pilar chose the right man to love?