1. In chapter 1, Anuradha recounts her mother's delicate warning, "In this life, my darling, there is no mercy."What does she mean by these words? By the end of the book, are you convinced that she is right?

2. What is the significance of chicken club sandwiches? To Anuradha, what does it measure?

1. Do Anuradha and Vardhmaan react to their son's death differently? Do you think that either gender interprets loss differently? If so, how?

3. How does the relationship between Anuradha and Vardhmaan evolve in the house by the sea? What happens to their marriage, and what does this new stage in their life say about relationships, love, and responsibility?

4. What is necessary to keep secure a marriage that has suffered astonishing tragedy? Is love enough?

5. In chapter fifteen, Nandini states, "I've been lucky enough to never love." Do you believe this is true?

. In an attempt to cure his mother's disease, Sherman decides to study triste incurabilis. Is anyone in this novel immune to heartbreak? Is there a cure for a broken heart?

7. Why does Anuradha admonish Nandini to "stay clear of the whites," and how does this relate to the political climate in India at this time?

8. Does Nandini ever love Khalil Muratta, and Libya Dass; or has she seduced them for her own motives? Why or why not?

9. Do you agree with Anuradha's decision to send Shloka away to Australia? What was she protecting him from? What would you have done in her position, given her past experiences?

10. Why does Vardhmaan move into a new room? Do Vardhmaan and Anuradha still love each other? What makes you think so?

11. Pallavi asks Anuradha not to remember her.What does she mean by "the memory of happiness is as heartbreaking as its absence"? Do you agree with this statement?

12. Why is Pallavi skeptical of the idea of karma? Why is she afraid of her fate?

13. Pallavi believes "there is only one truly important work for all of us . . . and that work is to love cleanly."What does she mean and do you agree?

14. What does the last song of dusk mean to you?