A Daring Escape
Page 26
“Yes, it says, ‘Pavla, our Iyar begins.’” Charles furrowed his brow. “Iyar. It’s a month of the Jewish calendar, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is. It’s the second month of the Hebrew calendar. It’s a month of divine healing.”
“Healing?”
“Healing that comes from refining. ‘These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire…’” his father said, quoting the contemporary Scripture version from memory.
“You escaped the fire, Father…”
“And I have found something greater than gold on the other side. I have found God. I have discovered what true sacrifice means. And I have seen God’s hand upon my life. That truly is the greatest treasure, isn’t it? To know that in a world filled with evil there are still those who are willing to stand up for all that is right and good, and shine the light of God in the darkest of places.”
Andrew squeezed the ring in his hand, and tears came then. His tears of thankfulness watered the earth that once again would produce fruit—life—for his family. Just as hoped, just as planned.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Amity Mitchell was an American tutor living in London when news of the growing Nazi power was carried over the radio. What unique concerns did Amity, Clark, and Celia have during this time?
2. Amity was plunged into a new world when she visited Czechoslovakia. What did you learn about what was happening in Czechoslovakia during that time in history? What surprised you?
3. Pro-Nazi Czechs were eager to welcome the Germans into their country. How did the mistreatment Konrád faced after the Great War affect the way he treated others throughout this novel?
4. Pavla’s life changed overnight when the Nazis entered the Sudetenland. In what ways did this affect her and her children?
5. How do you feel about the treatment of the Jews by the Germans? What were some of the challenges they faced? Did you learn anything new about their mistreatment from this novel?
6. What did you know about kindertransports before reading A Daring Escape? What did you learn about them? How would you have felt putting your child on a kindertransport?
7. Part of the story was told through the eyes of a child. How did a child see this time differently than an adult would?
8. Prague is one of the most beautiful capitals of Europe. How did the beauty of the city contrast with the pain of the war?
9. Amity risked her life to help Jewish children. Who in our day are sacrificing themselves in various ways to help those who are in great need?
10. What surprised you about the plot of this novel? Do you think the author pulled off the ending?
11. Who was your favorite character? Why?
12. What did you appreciate most about this work of fiction?
ALSO FROM TRICIA GOYER…
Duty Brought Them Together.
Will Secrets Destroy Their Love?
American Emma Hanson came to England to study at Oxford but joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at the height of World War II. She is stationed at beautiful and historic Danesfield House west of London as part of the highly secretive Photographic Reconnaissance Unit.
Englishman Will Fleming is a handsome young artist who has been commissioned by the British government to record the changing landscape in paintings. His path intersects with Emma’s when his real mission—tracking Nazi spies—leads him to Danesfield House, the target of a sinister plot.
Emma and Will become friends, but neither can reveal the true nature of their assignment. Can their relationship grow amid such secrecy? And can Will save Danesfield House—and Emma and her coworkers—before it’s too late?
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER
* * *
To learn more about Harvest House books and to read sample chapters, visit our website:
www.harvesthousepublishers.com
HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS
EUGENE, OREGON
* * *