When the Angels Left the Old Country

For much of the novel, Rose struggles with her feelings for Dinah. How do her feelings for Dinah change over time, and how does she find a way to forgive her friend for remaining behind?

The theme of Friendships That Bridge Differences is very prominent throughout the novel. How does the motif of Little Ash’s tears deepen this theme?

Little Ash and Uriel both have names that are steeped in Jewish folklore. How do these names and the stories behind them help to shape Lamb’s creation of these two characters?

Research the figure of the dybbuk in Jewish folklore and compare and contrast the two dybbuks in the novel, paying particular attention to the different reasons behind their pursuit of revenge.

How do Little Ash, Uriel, and Rose reshape their identities over the course of the novel? Identify the most impactful influence on each character, using examples from the text to support your analysis.

How are the police wagon and the Christian doctor used to show the dangers lurking within the unfamiliar culture of America?

Grandmother Rivke is only with the main characters on the boat to America and on Ellis Island. How does she provide essential guidance for the characters’ journey, and what are the similarities and differences in her struggle to enter the US?

Uriel, Little Ash, and Rose are together from the moment they leave Europe through their arrival in New York. How do The Challenges of Migration and Adaptation shape their adventure and forge their friendships?