Big Books of Spring
The Plum Tree

Questions About The Plum Tree

by Ellen Marie Wiseman (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Plum Tree, please sign up.

Answered Questions (4)

I love this book and highly recommend it to WWII readers. Do you find this era to be the most romantic of all time?
Gayle Mccormick no, but one of the saddest
flag
Does anyone have any The Plum Tree book club questions?
Sara
1) What does the plum tree represent?
2) Do you think the will to live is the same for everyone, or is it stronger in some than others?
3) Overall, what…more
1) What does the plum tree represent?
2) Do you think the will to live is the same for everyone, or is it stronger in some than others?
3) Overall, what did you think of The Plum Tree?
4) Do you think Maria died by accident trying to get rid of the baby, or did she kill herself?
5) Are there contemporary situations equivalent to the Holocaust?
6) Do you think the Holocaust could have been stopped if information had been more readily available?
7) Do you think fear of the future made Isaac and Christine's love stronger and more passionate?
8) What made Hitler such a charismatic leader that he was able to control such a vast number of people? What qualities must he have had?
9) What do you think it was like in Germany for the women left behind?
10) Not all Germans or all military were party members. Does this surprise you?
11) After the war, do you think people were in denial, too busy with their own problems, or just didn’t want to talk about it? Do you think they felt guilty?
12) Do you think Isaac’s decision was based on loyalty to his parents and sister?
13) Do you think Christine was envious of his family’s wealth? How do you think Isaac felt about her family?
14) Do you think almost dying makes a person more aware and grateful for the little things?
15) Do you think Christine saw the Americans as saviors or monsters?
16) How do you think Christine changed over the course of the novel?
17) If Christine hadn't found that Isaac was alive, do you think she would have ended up with Jake?
18) Why do you think Mutti agrees to put food out for the passing Jewish prisoners? Would you have done the same thing?
19) Did you find the ending of the book, from Maria's death forward, rushed and not well explained?
20) Why on earth is Mutti friends with Kate?
(less)
flag
This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
Laura Falk Absolutely! While I still did very much enjoy the book, the first half seemed somewhat slow, and then the second half seem to be in a rush to tie up l…moreAbsolutely! While I still did very much enjoy the book, the first half seemed somewhat slow, and then the second half seem to be in a rush to tie up loose ends and elaborate on things the first half didn't. (less)
flag
Is there any kind of romantic relationships in this book? If so is there anything explicit (more than kissing?)
Carol There is a romantic relationship between Christine & Isaac but little more than kissing.
flag

Unanswered Questions (1)

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more