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- In order to create more dimension, authors often deliberately employ different literary devices in their storytelling. One of these devices is symbolism. At what point was the symbolism of Vera's profession obvious to you? At what point in the story did Vera's personal priorities change and how did this affect her profession?
 Another literary device, used especially in metaphysical novels, is the use of archetypal names. For instance, Vera Wright is derived from the Latin "veritas" for truth and "right", for absolute. So as a prophet, Vera's name represents Absolute Truth. Can you identify the meaning or idea behind some of the other names in this story?
- Foreshadowing is another effective literary device. Can you identify the place/s where Vera's ultimate transformation was foreshadowed? Did you realize this was the case while the end of the story was unfolding, or did the scenes of this foreshadowing occur to you later on?
- Characters are often placed in specific relationship to each other as protagonists/comrades or antagonists in order to reveal certain things about themselves that lead to their growth and transformation throughout the story. Which characters were protagonists/comrades and which were antagonists? What did these confrontations or empathies reveal about each character? How did it help them grow?
- Do you think Vera would have been able to fulfill her mission if Monk had lived? If Mia had not reformed? If Father Max had turned his back on her?
- If the author writes a sequel, would you rather it be told from the point of view of: Mia, Louise, Margaret, or Father Max? (To weigh-in click here)
- Do you think Mia was a legitimate choice to lead the Martha's into the future? If not, then who would have been a more suitable choice?
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