excerpt: page 16 "Why is Haiti so poor?"

page 17 They grew half the coffee back in the eighteenth century. "Can you imagine how rich they were?" Jean-Louis says.

READING GUIDE FOR LEAVING PARADISE

1. Throughout the novel Susan muses on 'paradise'. What and where is it?

2. On the Turks & Caicos people call themselves 'belongers'. What does it mean to belong for them and for others?

3. Characters of varying ages in the novel leave home. Why do they feel compelled to do this and what do they gain by it?

4. How do different characters in the novel gain and keep wealth, money and security?

5. Describe the use of parallel structure as it frames the novel.

6. How would you describe Tijean's learning problems?

7. Give examples of different types of intelligence as exhibited in some characters both in the novel and referred to in the story.

8. How important is family in the novel?

9. Describe the relationships Susan has with the major men in her life.

10. How different are the relationships Susan has with other women?

11. Do you agree that the oceans are a new frontier?

12. How does memory serve Susan?