Reading guide for Edges by Leora Skolkin-Smith

Reading Guide Questions

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. In the beginning of the novel, how would you describe Liana's feelings and attitude towards her mother? How do Liana's feelings about her mother change during the course of the novel?
   
    
2. How does the author use the physical geography of Israel as it relates to Liana's own personal growth? How do the rough and raw territories of pre-1967 Jerusalem play a role, reflecting Liana's inner battles? What is the significance of all the geographical boundaries or lack of boundaries of her mother's land?
   
    
3. Why do you think Skolkin-Smith chose to make Liana's lover an American diplomat?
   
    
4. After William leaves Liana, she decides to return to her mother and Jerusalem. Why doesn't she go to the police station to report the Arab boy's death in the forest? What does she fear? What does this tell us about her inner conflicts as well as the conflicts of the larger war?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Glad Day Books. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.