Discussion Questions
1. Sophie and her mother have an adversarial relationship that is still based on a deep affection. What role do these women live in each other’s lives. In what way, if any, are they necessary to each other?
2. Recently a reader told me she was sick of reading about mothers and daughter relationships. Do you feel the same way? If you do, can you explain your feelings. What do books get right when dealing with mothers and daughters? Where do they go wrong?
3. Near the end of the book Roman expresses something like remorse. He says, "I want it to be different." What is the "if" he’s talking about? Is a pedophile capable of true remorse? Did you at any point find sympathy with Roman. If not, why?
4. Some readers have told me that Iva is just as guilty as Roman. How do you feel about this idea? In cases like this one, wives, mothers and girlfriends have frequently been cooperative. Sometimes by lying, sometimes by maintaining silence. Some claim not to have seen or been aware of anything. Is this possible? How do you explain it?
5. Is Iva’s love a "true love?" What is it that ties her to Roman? What drew them together in the first place?
6. What is the theory behind "restorative justice?" Is such widespread forgiveness even possible? It appears to have worked in South Africa. Why would that be so? What is required to make this psychologically challenging theory workable?
7. Why did Donny shoot the Governor? What role did Elena play in the crime, if any?
(Questions courtesy of the author.)
In Doubt (Campbell) - Discussion Questions
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