When We Had Wings

Choose a specific sensory detail (such as sight, sound, or touch) and trace its use as a motif throughout the novel. What themes does it develop, and how does it convey the surreal nature of war?

In what ways does the novel’s structure affect the reading experience and understanding of events? Analyze the effectiveness of this structure in helping develop characterization, plot, and setting.

Focus on an aspect of World War II era history that the novel alludes to but doesn’t directly address (for example, the role of Filipino guerrillas during the war, the immigration of Filipina nurses to the US, the internment of Japanese American or Japanese Canadian citizens). Research this history and its lasting impact.