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Book Jacket

Father of Lions

A true-to-life narrative of one man's remarkable quest to save the Mosul Zoo.

Summary and Reviews
Excerpt
Reading Guide

Discuss Father of Lions by Louise Callaghan

Both Dr. Amir and Abu Laith care deeply about the animals, but they differ in their approach and thinking. Can you think of any noticeable differences between the two men in their approach to animal husbandry?

10

Feb. 10, 2020
by kellyo

Throughout the book Zombie, Lula, and Warda behave in surprisingly human-like ways. Do you think these are the human characters projecting human traits onto the animals, or do humans and animals share some basic instincts, and if so, which ones?

6

Feb. 12, 2020
by BuffaloGirl

If you had to distill one moral from this book, what would it be?

14

Feb. 12, 2020
by pennyp

Is there such a thing as too much devotion to a cause? Or is Dr Amir's level of commitment necessary for success?

12

Feb. 12, 2020
by pennyp

Abu Laith's children are all very concerned about the animals' well-being. Why do you think this is? Are they emulating their father? Is it just that kids love animals? Or is it something else altogether?

13

Feb. 13, 2020
by BuffaloGirl

Abu Laith and his family have a very different experience of the years living under siege than Hakam and his family do. Why do you think that is?

10

Feb. 13, 2020
by BuffaloGirl

Dr. Amir is accused of conspiring to steal the animals and being a spy. Why do you think the men are so distrustful of Dr. Amir, no matter how many times he tries to explain his reason for being there?

11

Feb. 15, 2020
by janeh

Would you stay or would you try to run?

19

Feb. 19, 2020
by jennie r

Every time a new force comes into Mosul the citizens of Mosul are treated as the enemy. Soldiers would say this is necessary. Do you agree? Even if it is necessary, is it fair?

11

Feb. 19, 2020
by Junebug

Overall, what do you think of Father of Lions? (no spoilers in this thread please)

23

Feb. 19, 2020
by Junebug

This book depicts many different ways of being religious. Do you agree? Can there be more than one right way to worship the same god?

21

Feb. 19, 2020
by Junebug

Caring about animals is used as a litmus test for being a good person throughout this story. Do you agree with that?

23

Feb. 19, 2020
by jennie r

ISIS is usually portrayed in Western media as backwards-thinking Middle Eastern fanatics. Yet Hakam, Lumia, and Abu Laith all notice that many of the most extreme ISIS members are the foreign ones. What does this say to you?

12

Feb. 19, 2020
by Junebug

Why do you think Lumia is so upset when she finds out she’s pregnant again? Do you think Abu Laith’s disregard for her concerns on this matter contributes to her resentment?

16

Feb. 19, 2020
by Junebug

The children think Mother is evil for attacking Warda and for eating Father. Abu Laith says it's just animal instinct, though her actions clearly upset him. Do you agree with the children or with Abu Laith?

16

Feb. 19, 2020
by Junebug

Abu Laith tells the children they’ll have to "go hungry sometimes to feed the animals." Some might think telling children they’ll have to go hungry is taking things too far. Do you agree or disagree?

22

Feb. 19, 2020
by Junebug

Lumia is often angry with Abu Laith for putting the animals first but Abu Laith believes that if you don't have mercy on animals you cannot be a good person. Who do you agree with? Is it possible to agree with both Lumia and Abu Laith?

4

Feb. 20, 2020
by TaraM

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