1. When Jonas observes his mother smashing her beloved china and crystal before they depart their home, he asks her
why she is destroying these items, and she replies, “Because I love them so much” (pg. 18). Do you consider this an act of
rebellion? In your opinion, is her reaction appropriate? How might this be seen as an attempt to control the situation?

2. Using textual examples, what are some of the specific ways the deportees fight back against the NKVD? To what
extent are these acts of resistance effective?

3. Being held prisoner brings out the best and worst in some of the deportees. Consider and discuss some of the
ways that individuals extend their assistance and support on the deportation trains, in the Altai kolkhoz, and in the
Tromfimovsk camp. How do these conditions qualify their actions—in other words, how does the context justify or not
justify their actions?

4. Compare the way in which Lina tells the story to how it unfolds through the actions and words of some of the other
characters—Elena, Andrius, Jonas, the bald man, even Nikolai Kretzky. How might the story be different for these
narrators. What feelings does Lina’s candor evoke in you?

5. How does Sepetys use the embedded flashbacks to help readers understand why Lina’s family has been rounded up
for punishment? Do you agree with their choices? Why or why not?

6. Upon arriving at the country train depot, the NKVD officers begin sorting the prisoners, and Lina asks, “Have you
ever wondered what a human life is worth? That morning, my brother’s was worth a pocket watch” (pg. 35). To what
extent do you interpret this as a turning point in the story?

7. Throughout the novel, Lina uses her passion for her art to remain connected to her family and the outside world.
What are some of the specific ways she does this? Do you think this is a form of resistance to Stalinism?

8. Consider the consequences of not signing the documents that charge the prisoners of counterrevolutionary
activities against the USSR. Do Lina’s family and the others who refuse to “confess” make the right decision? Why or
why not?

9. Though Lina believes that Andrius and his mother are supplying information to the NKVD officers in exchange
for food and shelter, she eventually learns that the arrangement comes at a far greater cost to his family. How does this
knowledge of the lengths Andrius’ mother goes to in order to keep him safe ultimately affect him? How does Lina’s
understanding of these sacrifices reshape her perception of him? His mother? Her mother? The circumstances of the
camps and the prisoners?