Pieter comments that Rifka is a treasure to her family. What does she uniquely contribute to her family? How do her family members help her?

Imagine writing the novel from the point of view of Rifka’s parents. What would change? What would Rifka’s parents say about her situation? Why?

Research the HIAS to find out more about this organization and the way it has assisted Jewish and non-Jewish immigrants. Is the novel’s representation of the organization accurate? What do the references to HIAS contribute to the novel and its key themes?