The Taken Child - Book Club Questions

Warning! These questions contain spoilers!

1. Reflect on the subtitle, ‘not everything can be risk assessed.’ How does it relate to the themes of the book?

2. How does the use of alternating viewpoints contribute to your understanding of the characters and the unfolding of the story?

3. Discuss the theme of responsibility in the novel. How did different characters grapple with their responsibilities toward the children, each other, and the truth?

4. Were there any characters you empathised with or felt conflicted about due to their actions and decisions?

5. Discuss the various relationships among the characters in the story and the effect of them?

6. The outdoor activity centre plays a significant role in the story. How did the setting contribute to the overall atmosphere and suspense of the novel?

7. Explore the moral dilemmas faced by the characters, such as David's choices and Kirsty's struggles with addiction. How did these dilemmas add depth to the story?

8. How did Catherine's strict policy against staff relationships impact the characters' decisions and behaviours?

9. Discuss the theme of betrayal in the novel. Which characters experienced betrayal, and how did it affect their actions?

11. What ethical questions arise from the actions of the characters and the outcomes of the story?

12 How did the characters evolve throughout the story? Did any of them change significantly, inwardly or outwardly from the beginning to the end?

13. Were you surprised by the identity of the person responsible for the tragedy at the outward bound centre? How was this reveal built up to?

14. Did you find the resolution satisfying, or were there loose ends you wish had been tied up differently?