1. How has the disappearance of their cousin Henry affected Erica and Beth Calcott? How about the other members of their family?

2. What is the relationship between Erica and Beth like as adults, as compared to when they were children? Have their roles changed?

3. How did Erica feel about Dinny when they were younger? Why do you think Erica is still attracted to him now?

4. Do you find Caroline Massey to be a sympathetic character? Do you feel that she and Corin Massey were a good match? Why or why not?

5. Why is Caroline jealous of Magpie? Is there any justification for what she ends up doing to Magpie and her family?

6. Meredith, Erica and Beth's grandmother, is described as not a particularly warm or maternal woman. Why do you think she is that way? How much of it can be attributed to how her own mother, Caroline, brought her up?

7. Were you surprised to learn of Harry's true identity? Why or why not? What were the clues that led you to this revelation?

8. Do you agree with Erica and Beth's decision to keep the truth about Harry to themselves? In your opinion, is Harry better off this way?

9. Although present-day England and early 20th-century Oklahoma Territory seem very different, what similarities can you find between these two settings? For example, how about the way in which Dinny's family and Joe Ponca's family are treated?

10. What is the legacy that Caroline Massey has passed down to her descendants?