1. Why is Sampath so unhappy with his life in Shahkot? Are these emotions typical?

2. What is the importance of the monkeys' arrival in the guava orchard?

3. Describe the relationship between Sampath and his mother. Is it a close relationship?

4. Describe the relationship between Sampath and his sister. Is this a typical sibling relationship? How does their relationship evolve throughout the novel?

5. What is "magical realism?" Were you able to look past the improbability of the events in the novel, or did their unlikely nature take you out of the story?

6. Why does Kulfi start painting pictures on the walls of the Chawla home? Does this activity seem to benefit her?

7. Explain how Desai employs descriptions of food in the novel.

8. How would you describe the role of community for these characters?

9. How is the image of the city portrayed in the novel?

10. What is the significance of the guava tree, beyond being the place Sampath escapes to when he leaves home?