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Discussion Guide

  1. Lilac Tree CoverHow does Paul's own background affect his relationship to Hanne?
  2. What do you think about Paul changing Hanne's name to "Honey?"
  3. Time and time again, Paul is offended by vulgarity, and seems to want Honey to keep from losing her well-bred manner. What do you make of this?
  4. The book shows us many characters whose lives are altered forever by the destruction of their way of life. (Honey, Paul, Ulrike, Princess Lydia Ivanovna, Fraülein Stulp, Mimi Krall, Herr Scholte, Ingelore, Petya, Ulla Printz, Sister Celestine, Hanne's mother, and grandparents) Who seems to be best at adapting? Who seems most wounded?
  5. What traits does the author seem to value most in her characters? What traits seem to aid survival?
  6. What do you think of Paul's gift to Honey of the lilac tree? What is Paul's attitude later, towards the tree? How does this contrast with Rip's attitude toward the tree?
  7. What kinds of gifts does Paul give Honey, in general?
  8. What kinds of gifts does Rip proffer?
  9. Many of the characters in the book engage in black market activites. Ulrike won't even take paper money for providing a service, she insists that Hanne fork over a potato. Rip gives away cigarettes and chocolate. What, if anything, is the difference between these activities and what Paul does? Where should one draw the line between keeping law and order, and doing what one must in order to survive? Is it ever alright to break the law?
  10. How does the story that Rip tells about his mother being adopted by the teacher parallel Hanne's story?
  11. Different people tell different lies during the course of the book for different reasons. Is it ever okay to lie?
  12. Is Paul right when he claims that Honey is just like her mother, Claudia? In what ways is she alike, and different?
  13. Looking back, do you think that Paul's relationship with Honey was a mistake or a blessing?
  14. Looking ahead, what do you think are the chances for happiness for Rip and Hanne; an earthy backwoods boy, and a cultured European waif?

 

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