Discussion Questions 

1. The author calls this book an “impressionistic retelling” of the story of Rahab from the Bible (Joshua 2). In what ways does Brigitte remind you of Rahab? What differences are there?

2. In the Bible, Rahab is characterized as a woman who had faith in what God was doing and acted on it. How do you see that theme play out through Brigitte and other characters in the story?

3. Brigitte and Tom both have preconceived notions about each other before they even meet. What are they? Have you ever done the same—judged someone before you met them? What are some of the dangers of preconceived judgments?

4. Brigitte tells Tom that the Occupation has made her glad for the things she does get. “Before, I was never grateful,” she says. Have you ever faced a challenge or loss that made you grateful for your blessings? What other positive results can come from negative situations?

5. How did you feel about Hauptmann Braun initially? Did your feelings change as the story progressed? Did his actions surprise you? Why or why not?

6. In chapter 5, Brigitte asks Father Eppinette if there is a place for one like her. Have you ever asked that question for yourself, or had someone else ask you that question? How did you or would you answer? What did you think of Tom’s response in chapter 17?

7. Clemmie is a grandmotherly woman who does what she can to help those who cross her path, ultimately at the cost of her own life. Have you ever known anyone like Clemmie? Have you ever had the opportunity to put your beliefs to the test, at the risk of losing something dear to you? How did you react, or how do you think you would react in such a situation?

8. Rafael believes that the more a person fears losing control, the more he or she tries to take control. Where do you see examples of this in the story? How have you seen this play out in your own life or in the life of someone you know?

9. Madame Bouvier has a sign in her shop saying she will not serve Jews. And yet she personally rescued several Jewish people from the Nazis. Do you think the sign is just a front, or is Madame Bouvier truly conflicted in this area? What are some moral or political issues that Christians find themselves struggling with today? What issues do you personally struggle with? How do you go about resolving these conflicts in your own life?

10. Near the end of chapter 5, Madame Bouvier recalls Father Chaillet’s words: “Acts of repentance will not lead to the mercy you seek, but mercy will lead to acts of repentance. God has mercy on you, child. . . . I give you one thing to do: only believe. Redemption will follow.” What did this mean to you? How do you think this changed Madame Bouvier’s life?

11. At different points in the story, both Braun and Michel warn about the danger of revenge. At one point, Michel tells Tom that revenge as a motive is not strong enough. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?

12. Though Krista Hegel is not able to openly share her Christian faith with the prisoners who are being interrogated, in what ways does she clearly represent Christ? How do you think you would have responded in such a situation?

13. In chapter 21, the waiter Guillemot says that “people come forward to show who they are in war.” What examples of that did you see throughout the story? How could the same principle apply in other situations (not necessarily times of war)?

14. Who was your favorite character in the story and why?

15. At the end of the book, Brigitte has a wish list of happy endings for various people in the story. How many of them do you think are realistic? How important is a happy ending to you when you are reading a novel?