Our Cut of Salt

Home is a recurring theme throughout Our Cut of Salt. Share what home means to each generation of Sayadi women: Marina, Haifa, and Nuhad. What does home mean to you? Has your meaning of home changed over time? If so, how?

As a college student, Marina feels compelled to travel to Palestine to fi nd answers about her family, living and dead. Did you support her decision? Has there ever been a time where you researched family history? How did you approach it? What was the result?

Once she arrives in Palestine, Marina notices everyone advises her to stay away from her ancestral home. Why do you think that is? What would you have done if you were in her situation? Explain your decision.

Haifa residents see mysterious things happen to occupants to the Sayadi house, such as residents experiencing strange noises, seeing odd visions, or even disappearing entirely. Do you believe the house in Haifa is haunted? Why or why not?

Eventually, Marina decides to seek out answers from Rania, a longtime family friend of Nuhad. What was your fi rst impression of Rania? What was your lasting impression? Describe her infl uence on Nuhad and the Sayadi family.

What was your reaction to Marina visiting the house in Haifa for the fi rst time? Why did Marina feel compelled to visit her ancestral house, even after others, including her own family, warned her to leave the past behind?

As the story continues, chapters alternate between past and present. What was your response to Nuhad sharing her childhood memories? How do you think Nuhad felt watching Marina visit their homeland?

Over the course of several chapters, Marina and Haifa discover Nuhad’s childhood journals, which are fi lled with old secrets. How did you respond to Nuhad’s memories? What stood out to you the most from her journals? Why?

Marina grows increasingly sick as she uncovers the house’s secrets. Rania and her son, Khaled, become a newfound family while Marina recovers. Has there been a person(s) in your life that you consider to be chosen or found family? How have they supported you in times of need?

Marina’s ongoing discoveries shed insight into the lives of Basel and Victoria. Explain their signifi cance. Why was Marina drawn to their story? How did their story fi ll in the gaps of Sayadi family history?

Tariq is found to be a central person within the Sayadi family. Why was his existence kept secret for so long? Why does Nuhad feel guilty about what happened to Tariq? In your words, what is the importance of sharing Tariq’s story with the wider world?

Salt is an essential item to each generation of Sayadi women. Recount the various ways they have used salt in each of their lives. Is there an object that you have used to fi nd solace? If so, how has that item brought your comfort?

What was your response to Marina and Haifa’s decision at the end of Our Cut of Salt? What would you have done if you were in their situation? Is the house in Haifa still haunted? Why or why not?