Reading Guide for Half a Cup of Sand and Sky by Nadine Bjursten

Reading Guide Questions

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. How does the novel explore themes of female identity? What does family and home mean to Amineh? Discuss her struggle for approval. How does her view of herself evolve over the course of the novel? 
2. The desert village, Qamsar, where Amineh spent her childhood, has long been known for rose oil production. How does this setting shape Amineh as a character? What impact does it have in her life? How does location and history shape the narrative arc of the novel?
3. Discuss how the ever-changing politics of Iran affects each of the characters in the novel. Were you familiar with Iran's political history prior to reading this book? What were you surprised to learn? Are there any parallels with the political history of the United States? Another country?
4. Consider the novel's depiction of Islam, including that of the pious character of Jalalod-Din and his discussion of jehād at the end of Chapter 75. Is the novel's portrayal of Islam different from or similar to how you feel it is portrayed in Western movies and other media? Did it surprise you that mystic poets are so much a part of Iranian culture? 
5. What is the significance of cooking for Amineh? Consider the idea of letāfat, the tender touch. What does it mean as far as preparing a meal goes, and does there exist a similar notion in the West? Was there a meal scene that you particularly enjoyed?
6. How much did you know about nuclear arms control and disarmament activism before reading this book? Did anything surprise you? How does Amineh's view of Farzad's activism change over the course of the novel?
7. How does Amineh's guilt over her parents' death shape her vision of the world or her actions? Would her character be different if she had not lost her parents? How did other characters experience loss in the novel? Does guilt enter into their experience? How did the loss change them? 
8. Did you highlight or bookmark any passages from the book? Did you have a favorite quote or quotes? If so, share, and explain why it caught your attention.
9. Who was your favorite character? What character did you empathize with the most, and how did they change by the end of the novel? Were there any characters you disliked? Why?
10. What is different about Amineh's relationship with Farzad and her relationship with Patrik? In your opinion, were Amineh and Farzad suited to each other? Why or why not? How do you feel about the choices Amineh made?
11. How did you feel about the ending of the novel? Do you have any lingering questions about the novel? 
12. Would you recommend this book to someone? Why or why not (or with what caveats)? What kind of reader would most enjoy this book?

Download the complete book club kit

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