SOPHIE REDESIGNED (Outskirts Press, 2010)
Early in the story, Sophie thinks her neighbor Deborah seems shallow. Is she? Did you pity her for her apparent dependence on men? What in her background contributes to her chameleon nature?
Did you think Sophie behaves badly toward her son? What is at the core of her rejection of his concerns?
Why, after repeatedly seeking her help as a public librarian, was Captain Samuels resistant to employ her as a free-lance researcher?
What are the most obvious differences between Sophie and Sam’s techniques in trying to solve the Roland Urquardt murder case? What would account for these sometimes conflicting approaches?
Can you imagine a time when revenge killing seemed morally just? What allowed the father’s original (if distorted) idea of loyalty to friends become corrupted?
How could the local law officials have taken so long to investigate the activities of the assassination group? What might their leads or tip-offs have been if “Pastor” Gustav Foucault had not told them of his suspicions?
Is Gustav a “good guy,” or a charlatan?
Was Roland Urquardt a weak man? Why would he have gone along with the organization for so long?
There were many minor characters in this story. Which ones would you have left out? Why?
What are the elder issues in this story? Have you witnessed them in your own life experience?
If you could change part of the ending to this story, what would it be? (What doesn’t ring true?)
Send Comments to: comments@moxiecosmos.com