The History of Love

Many different languages are spoken in The History of Love, and the title text is translated several times. What is the significance of translation in the novel and how do these different languages affect the characters and their attempts to communicate?

Leo Gursky and Charlotte Singer have both lost the loves of their lives and have a great affinity for language and literature. Compare these two characters. How does each cope with their loss? What role do reading and writing play for each character?

If it were necessary to choose one, Zvi Litvinoff could be considered the antagonist of The History of Love. He plagiarizes his more talented friend, taking Leo’s work as his own. However, at the last minute, he includes Leo’s obituary at the end of the manuscript, and he also experiences intense guilt throughout his life. Does Litvinoff deserve the title of antagonist? Would Leo forgive him for publishing The History of Love?

Bird is a secondary character but plays a key role in connecting Leo and Alma at the end of the novel. What other significance does he have as a character? What could his name represent?

What role does religion play in the novel? How is Jewish identity portrayed, and how does each character relate to their heritage?

At the end of the novel, it is revealed that Bruno is not real; Leo made him up so he would not be alone. What is the significance of his character? How would Leo’s life be different without Bruno?

In what ways is The History of Love a coming-of-age story? How does Alma mature over the course of the novel?

How does the concept of a book within a book inform the themes of literature and storytelling in the novel?