- In what ways are Florence and Basia the same? Different? Who is the stronger person?
- How would you describe the relationship between Florence and Alex?
- Is Alex a likeable character? Why or why not? Is he good or evil? A coward or a hero?
- How did Basia’s background in Poland influence her activities at the cigar factory?
- What forces are exerted on the factory owners and Resnick? Is Resnick a likeable character?
- Was the price the women paid for union recognition worth it?
- How is organized labor viewed today? Is it still necessary?
- Is it possible groups like the Black Legion exist today?
- Discuss how Nick handled the choices in his life? Did he feel remorse?
- What is the most surprising thing you learned from this book? About Poles? About Detroit?
- Were you sympathetic toward the mayor? The governor? The police chief?
- What was Lucien’s relationship like with his family?
- Why do you think the author included Diego Rivera? Would you consider this book an example of ekphrasis?
- Why did Diego Rivera and Alex laugh so hard looking at the car in the mural?
- What was the author trying to say with the contrast between the wedding scene and the abrupt ending of the book?
- Have you had experience with other immigrant communities that are tight like this Polish one?
- Does this book make you want to learn more about Poland and other Eastern European countries? Does this book affect your opinions of events in Eastern Europe?