These Impossible Things

How does the novel contrast Harry’s experience of economic privilege with the economic privilege that Malak enjoys when she moves to Cairo?

How does the novel characterize the families of the three protagonists? What kind of relationship do the three young women share with their parents? How do these parental relationships differ from their relationships with siblings?

Examine the scenes in which Kees and Jenna look at themselves on their respective wedding days. How do these scenes characterize the significance of marriage to each woman?

Does the novel make a final assessment on whether Islam and Catholicism are more similar than they are different? Outline what leads you to your response to this question using details from the text.

The reference to the 2011 revolution in Egypt is one of the few concrete temporal markers in the novel. Analyze why this historical detail is significant to the plot and how it develops character.

Trace how Malak and Jacob change over the course of the novel. What is the significance of Malak’s desire to admit she still loves Jacob at the end of the novel?

How does Jenna change and grow over the course of the novel?

Explain why Kees finds her relationship with Harry challenging despite him being supportive and understanding.