The title of the book is The Other. What is the significance of the book title? Who is the other?
When the Nazi youth camp opens, it creates a moral dilemma for the bridge keeper, Otto. Why is it important that Otto stands up for Abe Dubinski?
What is the symbolism of the Shabbos candles in the story?
How does the history of the Nazi youth camp inform the problem of antisemitism today?
When Zoya says that it was Allah that brought her to the Barookhians, what does she mean?
Zoya believes that Jews and Muslims don’t have to be enemies. Do you think this is possible today?
The Other has been described as a story of faith lost and faith found. Who loses their faith? Who finds their faith? What does this mean to you as the reader?
What would you do to protect your family when the Nazis come to town?
When the rabbi gives his sermon, he talks about the Knowable and the Unknowable. What does he mean?
The lock tender, Abe Dubiniski and his wife Miriam have two teenage children, Manny and Rachel. Both children are changed forever by their encounters with the Nazis at the youth camp. How do you imagine Manny and Rachel as adults?
"Markowitz’s parallel narratives touch upon several fascinating ideas, including the reach of Nazism—even in rural America—during WWII, the lasting impacts of the January 6 insurrection on today’s world, and the similarities between two time periods each burdened with an oppressive sense of dread. The inclusion of Zoya’s ghostly figure and her own story of coming to America from Iran provides another layer of texture and perspective while also endearing the grieving Charlie to readers." Kirkus Reviews
