One Amazing Thing

Why is the memory of the peach pie so important to Mrs. Pritchett? Why does she consider that conversation with her friend Debbie to be such a pivotal moment in her life?

Of all the survivors, Lily seems to understand Tariq and treat him the kindliest. Why is this?

Does Mr. Pritchett truly love his wife, or is he simply concerned with taking care of her, the way he once cared for the stray kitten?

Malathi says she chose to tell the story of Nirmala and Mrs. Balan’s ruined hair because it was the one brave story from her life. Are her actions truly brave? Does she believe that Mrs. Balan would change as a result of the botched hair treatment?

Several of the survivors show resentment or suspicion towards the others based on their apparent race or nationality. What stereotypes and prejudices are revealed in the opening chapters?

After his father’s arrest, Tariq begins to associate with a group of supposed Muslim extremists. He says he doesn’t know if these new friends are terrorists, although he must suspect them. Does Tariq have a right to blame America for the misfortunes of his family?

Through sponsoring a child in an Indian orphanage, Cameron hopes to absolve himself of guilt for his past actions with Imani, his aborted child, and the US Army. Do you think that Cameron will live to see Seva, or have his actions with helping the survivors already absolved him of any guilt?

Why does Jiang keep the fact that she can speak English secret from her family members for all those years? Is she being honest about her reason for wanting to visit India?