The Turtle of Oman

Of all the adventures that Aref and Sidi have together, which one brings Aref closer to accepting the journey to the US? What causes this essential shift in mindset? Use examples from the text to support your interpretation.

Choose two of Sidi’s stories for Aref and explain their role in helping the boy to come to terms with The Difficulty of Leaving Home. Why does understanding Oman’s stories matter to Aref?

What might this novel be trying to say about Oman’s place in the world? Write an essay in which you analyze the novel’s mentions of the international community and their presence within and beyond Oman

Sidi doesn’t fly, but he is very encouraging of Aref and his family. Analyze Sidi’s character development and explain what the events of this novel mean from his perspective.

How might Sidi’s advice for Aref change if Aref were leaving Oman permanently? Would the same symbolic meanings of the turtles, stones, and suitcase still apply?

This novel takes place in the liminal time frame between Aref’s father’s departure for the US and Aref’s own journey. Why might the author have chosen to situate the plot of the novel in the moments before Aref actually makes his journey?

Compare and contrast Aref and Sidi’s time in the desert with their time on the ocean. What lessons do they learn, and what are their reactions to their surroundings?

Do a close reading of the scene in which Sidi and Aref sleep on the roof. Why is this a critical moment in the novel?