Chapters 1-7

Reading Check

1. Ankle surgery (Chapter 1)

2. Lady Thornton (Chapter 4)

Short Answer

1. When Ada learns her mother died, her feelings are conflicted. She feels both relieved and shocked about her mother. Her conflicting feelings stem from her mother’s physical and verbal abuse. She had been worried she would never be freed from Mam’s cruelty. (Chapter 2)

2. Ada worries she will be taken from Susan after Mam’s death. When Susan discusses arrangements, Ada interprets it as living arrangements for her and Jamie. Ada’s abandonment worries originate from Mam’s abuse. She continues to wrestle with the idea that she is wanted because her mother never wanted her. (Various chapters)

Chapters 8-13

Reading Check

1. Rationing (Chapter 9)

2. Oxford (Chapter 11)

Short Answer

1. Several events point to the danger on the British home front. Ada’s home has been destroyed by bombs, her mother died in a bombing, and the three soldiers who joined her for Christmas last year are all dead. (Various chapters)

2. Ada is often worried about something. For example, she worries Susan will not keep her and she worries Jamie will die when he falls from a tree.