The Lost Daughter
Page 37
4. How would you describe a mother? How does Najda’s understanding of what a mother is evolve in the book?
5. Even though adoption is commonplace today (and, as the author reminds us, it finds a well-rooted model in Moses’ early story), stigmas still face adopted children and their families. Why do you think this is? How do these families respond or compensate?
6. Discuss Luisa’s role as Najda’s rescuer, advocate, and parent. What kind of unique challenges does she face in raising Najda, who has disabilities herself? Does she experience any limitations? As a parent with Down syndrome, how does Luisa provide for and raise her daughter? How does her family work together to help her?
7. Compare the men in Brooke’s romantic life: Sean and Alex. What kind of life does each offer Brooke? What kind of behavior does each elicit from her? Does she give something up when she commits to her marriage?
8. What does Brooke feel is at risk in telling Sean the truth—about her past actions, Alex’s new role in her life, her investigation?
9. Why does Alex insist on coming clean to the authorities? What good does he think it will do? And once he learns the truth from Brooke after her search, why does he have such a hard time accepting the evidence?
10. Do you think Brooke and Alex should have been charged with a crime? Why or why not?
11. A few of the main characters wish for rescue in the novel, as suggested by Brooke’s fascination with tales of knights and maidens, and Najda’s dreams of being saved by her unknown, “normal” mother. How do these desires change by the end of the novel? Why?
12. How do Brooke, Sean, and Alex evolve over the course of the novel? What does each of them confront as the past comes to light? Do you think they can finally move forward freely with the truth now out in the open? Why or why not?
13. What do you think lies in store for each of the characters? Do you think Najda has forgiven her biological parents for their actions? Have they forgiven themselves?
NOTES
Notes
Notes