1. At the top of the novel, Gerta remarks, “I was happy to be Pieter.” How does this initial statement manifest throughout the novel as Gerta begins to develop into an adult, lover and painter?

2. How does the impact of memory present itself throughout the novel? How do Gerta’s memories of the past shape her relationship to the characters around her, as well as her perspective at large?

3. Maria often refers to Gerta as “Pieter” even after she realizes “Pieter” is actually a girl in disguise. How does this inform Gerta’s actions or behaviors once they establish themselves in Amsterdam? How does this influence Gerta’s idea of herself?

4. What are Gerta and Maria’s first impressions of young Jacobus, and why do you think they differ so widely?

5. What sort of influence do the men in the painter’s Guild have over Maria and Gerta socially, politically and professionally? How does this influence the trajectory of the novel?

6. Midway through the novel, Gerta transitions in her duties as maid from grunt work to a more elevated status, where she’s able to hire another maid to attend to household duties. What does this transition signify? How does this influence Gerta’s self-perception and decision-making?

7. Maria often orchestrates public acts of humiliation towards Gerta. Why do you think she does this? What do these acts tell us about Maria, and how do they influence Gerta’s ultimate act of betrayal?

8. How does Jacobus’ initial act of violence reverberate throughout the novel? How does this manifest through Gerta’s actions towards others and herself?

9. With the onset of Maria’s disability, the power dynamic between Maria and Gerta shifts in a fundamental way. How does the nature of this dynamic shift and evolve over the course of the novel?

10. What do you make of The Ultimate Act? What does it say about the nature of Maria and Gerta’s relationship? Does the aftermath seem a fitting end for our cast of characters?