Book Clubs and Libraries
Discussion Guide for Vienna on Fire
Character Impressions and Relationships
What is your impression of Greta? Consider her personality, motivations, and actions throughout the story. Reflect on which characters you found the most interesting and why they stood out to you. Did any of the characters remind you of people you know in real life? Think about personal connections or similarities.
How would you describe Greta’s response to being bullied by Hans? Analyze his and her actions and emotions in those moments. How would you describe Greta’s relationship with her parents? Explore the dynamics between them and how these relationships influence Greta’s decisions.
Personal Connections and Choices
In what ways did you identify with Greta or any of the other characters? Reflect on moments in the story where their experiences resonated with you. What would you have done in their situation? Consider the choices the characters faced and how you might have responded.
Have you ever been asked to do something risky for someone else? Relate your own experiences to the situations faced by the characters in the story.
Thematic Exploration and Impact
How would you describe the underlying themes of Vienna on Fire? Identify and discuss the core messages or ideas present in the narrative. What aspects of the story left the strongest impressions on you? Highlight scenes or elements that were particularly impactful.
In what ways did the story add to your knowledge of the plight of Austria’s Jews? Reflect on new insights or understandings gained from reading the book.
Moral Choices and Broader Perspectives
Why do you think other characters in the book risked their lives to help Greta? Discuss their motivations and what this reveals about their character. In what ways did your perspective of the Germans change after reading Vienna on Fire? Consider how the story influenced your understanding or opinions.
How do you think having to make life or death choices affects a person? Explore the emotional and psychological consequences of such decisions.
Recommendation
Although Vienna on Fire was written for an adult audience, would you recommend it to mature teens 16 years or older? If so, why? Provide reasons for your recommendation based on the content and themes of the book.
Invite Don to present an in-person or Zoom book talk on Vienna on Fire for your book club or library.
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