Saving Sophie Ron Balson Discussion Questions

[St. Martin's Press]

1. How did Jack confront the conflict between his legal and moral principles and his desperate need to rescue his daughter? Was Jack too quick to trust people? Was that his character flaw?

2. Having washed his hands of Alina, why was al-Zahani so possessive of Sophie, the child of the union he despised?

3. Do you fault Jack for overruling the judge and giving the al-Zahanis liberal visitation? Would you have done the same?

4. What do you think would have become of Sophie had she not been rescued?

5. How did Arif al-Zahani perceive and process Sophie’s exclusion from Jamila’s playgroup?

6. What do you think drove Liam and Catherine to suspect a lack of commitment? Do you think there was a moment of indecisiveness?

7. Given the history of the region and how many times the land has changed hands, what is your feeling about al-Zahani and his group’s claims for exclusive possession of the country as “Sons of Canaan?”

8. Do you think at the critical moment that al-Zahani was prepared to sacrifice Sophie?

9. Has does the prospect of fame and wealth of a professional basketball career create a surreal world of impossible expectations for young athletes? Are you critical of Violet McCord?

10. What would you do with a child who shows gifted talents? Does the lure of success encourage parental exploitation?