September 1, 2020
Tal Neilson does not believe his father Geri’s mysterious death was an accident. Geri’s voice in his head is convinced it was perfectly plotted murder. Geri may have built a drug empire, but he is surrounded by a wife he no longer loves, a business partner he cannot trust, and a drug addicted son. Tal must decide whether he is prepared to fight for his legacy. When Tal turns to his lover, Ophelia, for support, he has no idea that she carries a family secret. A duty to protect Tal, even if it means risking her life.
Born to serve. Trained by the Israeli military to kill. Ophelia.
One stormy night off the coast of Denmark, sixty years earlier, binds two families forever and drives their obsessions.
A modern-day Hamlet set in Manhattan, with twists and turns galore, to the very last page.
Discussion Questions
Courtesy of Norman Bacal
- A central theme of the novel, Ophelia, deals with parents and children. What is the impact of the desires of parents on the development of children and how are Tal and Ophelia impacted?
- Is it possible that our view of God is impacted by life experience? How did the different ways that Thomas and his cousin Paul survived the Holocaust, impact on their view of God in the universe?
- Is it possible to be considered righteous, when your actions save others, even if your motivations are not righteous? Consider the story of Geri Neilson.
- Through the course of the novel there is only one character who is true to herself for her entire life. Should Trudi Neilson be damned for her impulses?
- The book title relates to a character who is not the lead character of the story. Why do you suppose the author made that decision?
- Who is the true hero of the novel, Tal or Ophelia?
