Consequences (Romig) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
1. Consider Claire and Tony as characters. What were your initial thoughts and feelings about them? When (if ever) did those feeling change?

2. What do you believe Claire should have done differently when she was first kidnapped? How does Anthony use “Operant Conditioning” to alter Claire’s way of thinking? When do you believe Claire changed from “victim of abuse” to “victim of Stockholm Syndrome”?

3. How does Claire’s “compartmentalization” save/ hurt her?

4. What do you believe was Anthony’s motivation at the beginning of our story? Why would a man of his wealth, looks and status jeopardize everything to kidnap a woman like Claire? What theories did you have in the beginning? When did you change your mind? Did the backstories help you see the truth?

5. Although Claire was completely isolated within Anthony’s estate for many months, his employees were present and saw her predicament. What were your feelings regarding their acceptance of Claire’s forced imprisonment and obvious duties?

6. Claire’s unconsciousness showed the readers much about Claire’s past. What did her “visions” tell you?

7. Was Claire’s acceptance of Tony’s marriage proposal due to love or victimization? Why? What clues did the author give you to support your answer?

8. Do you believe Tony would have released Claire from her “debt”, if she’d accepted that option at his proposal?

9. Why did the author provide the Vanity Fair article in its entirety? What was Ms. Romig showing the readers?

10. While Claire and Tony’s life was “positive” and they’re in Europe, did you find yourself telling Claire to “follow the rules”? What were your emotions as she rushed back to the hotel in Italy, knowing she’s late? How did it make you feel, wanting her to “tow the line”?

11. A skillful romantic thriller writer knows which details to reveal and when to reveal them. How much do you know...and when do you know it? In other words, how good was Ms. Romig at burying her clues in plain sight? Now that you know the end of this book, go back and find the clues she left for you.

12. Each chapter is preceded by quotations. Did you read the quotations, and what did they tell you about the chapter?

13. When Claire notices the open key cabinet and decides to drive away...what did you anticipate would happen? Were you correct?

14. Anthony offers Claire an “out” to jail. Did you agree with her decision to refuse his offer? Why?

15. As Marcus Evergreen displays his evidence of Claire’s privileged life with Anthony Rawlings, how do you think she felt? What emotions did you feel?

16. The “box” explains so much. Why do you think the box was sent to Claire?

17. Critics have said this book contains too much description. Do you agree? Could you visualize the scenes in Consequences? At the end, did those vivid scenes come back, with a new understanding of why they were all there?

18. In chapter one Claire made a vow to herself. It began: I am not sure how or when. But I will... Did Claire accomplish her goal?

19. Movie time: Who would you like to see play what part?

(Questions from the author's website.)

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