1.    In the first part of the novel, Kenny comes across as a despicable violent criminal mainly concerned with his own well-being. As the story progresses, does the reader’s opinion of Kenny change at all, and if it does, how and why?

 

2.    Similarly, Phoebus is at first portrayed as a weak, susceptible character without an opinion, and one that is easily lead by Kenny. How does your view of Phoebus change throughout the novel, and why?

 

3.    In terms of genre, A Decent Ransom can be classified as a rite-of-passage novel - the hero is given a challenge which marks the transition from childhood to manhood. He is forced to give up thinking like a child and begin to take responsibility like an adult; that is to cope with unexpected changes, endure hardship, and act with courage in the face of adversity. Bearing this in mind, do you think Phoebus handled the situation well, and if not, what would you have him do differently to redeem himself in his own eyes?

 

4.      What, in the end, are Phoebus’s strongest qualities?

 

5.      How do you, at first, see Kathryn and at which part in the story, do you begin to suspect that Kathryn might be hiding something?

 

6.      What is the point of Kathryn’s imaginary friend?

 

7.      Do you like Kathryn at the end of the novel? If not, why?

 

8.      What role does Janelle play in the novel?

 

9.      What role does Rupert play in the novel?

 

10. In the first part of the novel, Phoebus, Kenny and Kathryn anxiously await the ransom payout which never arrives. Do you begin to suspect Rupert does not want to pay to get Kathryn back even before it is revealed? If so, why?

 

11.The novel is written in four voices which are not clearly marked at the beginning of each chapter, leaving it up to the reader to work out which character is speaking. What, in your opinion, did the author intend to accomplish by this?

 

12. The novel has an underlying moral message. What is it? What is the main  theme of the story?

 

13. What are the novel’s strengths and weaknesses?

 

14. Who was your favourite character and why?

 

15. Who, in your opinion, was the most complex character?

 

16. Every character in the novel is somehow linked. At what point do you realize that this is so? Was there a point to writing the story this way? If so, what is it?

 

17. Does the story change your view of kidnappings? Do you think this could happen in real life?