1. Who are the probable father and mother of the baby who appears on Nicolaas’s doorstep in the Prologue? Where is that child ten years later? Describe his relationship to Nelleke. How do you react to Elsbeth Van Randen’s reasons for keeping the children apart?

2. In what ways does the Prologue foreshadow the novel’s events, secrets, and revelations?

3. During Amsterdam’s Golden Age when this story takes place, it was the wealthiest city on earth. What evidence of that wealth do you see in the novel?

4. Were there dangers in extreme wealth? What role did the church attempt to play in curbing its excesses?

5. The wealth was not evenly distributed. What social problems existed and how did they affect the story? Even among the most opulent, child and maternal deaths were common. Why could they not protect themselves against these losses?

6. One reader described Part I as “good people forced to make difficult decisions.” What does that description refer to? Do you agree? Are there villains in this story?

7. Reactions to Nelleke’s character have ranged from endearing to irritating. Do you believe either or both of these apply? How many adjectives can you come up with to describe her?

8. What explains Jos’s obsession with completing the set of etchings? Do you find his determination compelling? How is his obsession similar and different from modern-day obsessions?

9. Which character do you think undergoes the most change? Discuss the arc of that change. What influences the alteration?

10. There are several secondary stories. Identify them. Do they contribute to/ reinforce/ hinder the flow of the main story?

11. When asked, “Who is your favorite character?” most readers identify the same character. Do you have a favorite? If so, what is it about that character that appeals to you?

12. Were you surprised by Myriam’s reaction upon viewing the first etchings in the series? By her refusal to view more? What did you think of her insistence on destroying the set?

13. Did you believe the seventh etching would be found? If so, where did you think it might be located?

14. One reader commented: “As I approached the final chapters, I was afraid the author would leave me up in the air. But, no, she tied up all the loose ends.” Do you agree? If so, are the resolutions convincing? Satisfying?