Violeta begins with a letter by the narrator to her grandson, explaining the context of the story. Why do you think Allende chooses to open the book this way? What does the epistolary tone of the narrative contribute to the story?

Examine Violeta’s relationship with her mother against the one she has with her daughter. Are there any repeating patterns? What learnings does Violeta take from her connection with her mother, and how does she apply them to her relationship with Nieves?

Josephine Taylor and the Rivases are essential to laying a foundation of open-mindedness in Violeta at a very early age. How do they do so? How does this become essential to Violeta’s life over the years?