‘Lion of Babylon’ Book Club Questions

Debbie writes:

We are having a book club discussion on Lion of Babylon. What would be some key questions to talk about?

Dear Debbie,

Thanks so much for your note. Below you will find my own personal favorites from the reader’s discussions. I hope you and your group have a splendid time.

Warm personal regards,

Davis

Discussion Group Questions for Lion of Babylon

1.  Marc had previously lost his job because he chose to devote himself to caring for his wife during her last months. Have you personally faced a similar decision, where you had to choose between family and work?  Did you feel good about your decision?

2.  Marc’s grief and love for his late wife seem to have helped him to go forward into these dangerous situations, not foolishly but with a sense of purpose and courage born of faith and love. Have you experienced great loss in your life that you were later able to draw from in order to find your purpose and courage in life?

3.  The women in Sameh’s family are so vividly portrayed in the story. As you were reading the story, what surprised you about the women’s lives?

4.  If Sameh and his family were to use their green cards and move to the United States, how do you imagine that their lives would be changed?

5.  Do you believe that Leyla and her daughter will immigrate even if Sameh and his wife remain in Iraq? Why or why not?

6.  How significant was the Grand Imam’s announcement?

7.  What are Marc’s characteristics, beliefs, and behaviors that enable him to become such an important “ambassador” among the people of Iraq?

8.  Marc obviously loved his wife very much. How did her illness and subsequent death change his life? How does his being a bereaved husband inform his actions throughout the story?

9.   What is the significance of the Lion of Babylon in this story?