2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

When Sophia was 11-years old, both her parents left her in Kathmandu, thinking she was with the other one. She was left to fend for herself, pretending to be a boy and calling herself Miles Farrell. Now her father is dying and wants to make amends. What did it say about her that she agreed to go? How did learning this affect your opinion of her?

Wow! Sophia's parents were unbelievable. I do not believe for one minute that each one thought she was with the other. Any caring parents would never assume that that was the case. This is just simply selfishness and neglect as they didn't want her getting in the way of their escape.

These fact do, however, emphasize Sophia's strength, intelligence and resilience. I admired her before but even more now given the circumstances of her childhood.

As to going and forgiving her father, it was the right thing to do for her. Him I really couldn't care less about.

It says a lot about how Sophia's survival instincts. I didn't blame her for not wanting to see her father ever again. Dave was very wise in encouraging her to go, but not putting pressure on her to do that.

I can't imagine an eleven-year-old being left alone in a foreign country and fending for themselves. She was certainly a smart kid. And I don't believe her parents story about thinking she was with the other parent. Nobody does that.

This was a stunning moment. Here I thought the worst thing that happened to Sophia was seeing her husband murdered before her eyes but this was awful. I tried to recall my own 11-year old mindset and cannot fathom being on my own in a foreign country.

I always liked and admired Sophia but now I’m in awe. I agree that going to see her father was important for her, not for him. Her parents were selfish, terrible people. Now Sophia has no regrets.

I have an 11-year-old granddaughter and I can't imagine her being on her own in a foreign country. She and her friends roam fairly freely in their little beach community, but they are always in a pack. Sophia was on her own a lot even when her parents were there. She grew up taking care of herself for the most part.

Anita, it’s unfathomable.

I agree with everyone. I admired Sophia before, but after getting more of her backstory, she is one of my favorite characters in the series. She is strong and doesn't give up.