1. It’s not until after the death of her father that Puri learns he had three children in Ecuador—her half brother and sisters. Are there any uncovered secrets in your family history? If so, did that discovery change your relationships or your feelings toward certain family members?

2. Do you think Puri was justified in deceiving her family? Why or why not?

3. Have you ever heard of real-life women cross-dressing in order to protect themselves or to perform activities that used to be only reserved for men? Could you cite some examples?

4. Just like cacao beans transform into chocolate, Puri goes through a transformation herself after her experience of posing as a man. What are some of the things she learns about herself and the opposite sex? How do her preconceptions regarding men and women change by the end of the novel?

5. What were your first impressions of Puri’s half sisters, Angélica and Catalina de Lafont? How did your opinions about them change over the course of reading the novel?

6. The story repeatedly mentions how each sister’s physical appearance greatly impacts how they are perceived (and received) within society. How do you think the dynamics within the story would change if each sister looked differently from how they were portrayed?

7. As a dynamic adventurer and business owner, the character of Puri can be seen as a feminist of her time. But dressed as a man in Ecuador, she is able to closely examine, as an outsider, the strong social hierarchy among women and their relationships toward men. How might a contemporary woman have reacted in her situation? Conversely, how would a woman of her times view these relationships?

8. How did you feel about the relationship between Catalina and Franco? Do you think Catalina was ever in love with Franco?

9. Martin tells Puri that his relationship with Angélica is complicated. Do you think they loved each other or were they just accustomed to one another? Do you think Puri is better-suited for Martin? Why or why not? Do you see a future for them together?

10. Despite his transgression, do you think Alberto had a true religious calling? What are your thoughts regarding the Catholic Church’s expectations for young men who enter priesthood?

11. Don Armand’s cacao farm in Ecuador is referred to as a “plantation,” an accurate word to describe an estate where cash crops are grown at a large scale, but one that comes with a complicated history and negative connotations for some American readers. What do you think about the ongoing cultural debate over the use of words in historical fiction that may bring about negative associations for contemporary readers?

12. Did you know anything about Ecuador before reading this novel? How has your perception of this country changed since you read Puri’s story? What were some of the cultural and historical details that surprised or interested you?