This Scarlet Cord (38 page)
4. What is it that Sala sees in Rahab that makes him love her so much? Was it just her beauty or was there something else?
5. What is it about Sala that is so attractive to Rahab? Is it just the fact that he rescued her from the slavers or is it something more?
6. Rahab and Atene both have their prayers answered by God and this is a vital part of their conversion. Did you find these “miracles” came too quickly to be real? Or did they perhaps remind you of the miracles that Christ worked that resulted in the conversion of so many of the people of His time—or miracles in your own life that have strengthened your faith?
7. Obedience to a father was one of the ethical beliefs of almost every people throughout the world. In the book, Sala feels that he can never go against his father’s wishes, even if it means breaking his own heart. Can you see why this duty to a father might be a good thing? Can you see where it might cause problems for a family and a society?
8. The friendship between Rahab and Atene grows as the book progresses and is a great help to Rahab. How important do you think friendship is to most women? Is it as important as family relationships and if so, how?
9. Fertility religions were practiced throughout the entire ancient world. Can you see why they might have been so prevalent and powerful? What does this say about the importance of revelation?
10. What are some of the essentials of a good marriage? Do you think that Rahab and Sala have them?
T
HERE ARE TWO PEOPLE TO WHOM
I
OWE A GREAT
deal and whom I would like to acknowledge here. The first is my husband, Joe. He is the reason that I turn in clean manuscripts to my editor. He proofreads everything and very little gets by him—it’s that Jesuit education, I’m sure. He is also the reason I usually manage to turn in my books on time. He’s very good at giving me
that look
at breakfast and asking when I plan to do my writing for the day. Visions of an afternoon at the barn or the mall disappear very quickly under
that look
.
I also must thank my wonderful agent, Natasha Kern. Not only does she sell my books, but she mothers me through the entire process of dealing with their publication. It such a comfort to know that she is only a phone call away.
Thank you, Joe and Natasha.
J
OAN
W
OLF WAS BORN IN
N
EW
Y
ORK
C
ITY BUT HAS LIVED
most of her adult life in Connecticut with her husband, two children, and numerous pets. She’s the author of
A Reluctant Queen
and
The Road to Avalon,
lauded as “historical fiction at its finest” by
Publisher’s Weekly
.