Compare and contrast Elsie Porter’s and Ana Romano’s outlooks on dating and love. Where do their perspectives originate? How do their opinions about romance evolve over the course of the novel and why?

How and why do Elsie and Ben’s feelings for each other develop so rapidly? How does the intensity of their romance change Elsie’s life and why? What does Reid consider the pros and cons of such a whirlwind romance?

After Ben dies, Elsie is reluctant to get better. Why does she resist healing? Why does she push other people away when they try to help her, and how are her behaviors related to her grief?