The Oligarch's Daughter

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What surprised you the most about the book’s depiction of high-level corruption and spying?

2. Which of the novel’s characters resonated the most with you, and why? Did your feelings about them change over the course of the novel?

3. Compare this book with other books by Joseph Finder, like The Moscow Club or Extraordinary Powers. How has the author’s style evolved over time?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. The novel depicts complex family relationships. What is your opinion on keeping family ties even when they conflict with personal values?

2. Paul deals with ethics violations at his workplace. How does this resonate with situations you might be personally familiar with or have heard about?

3. Paul and Tatyana’s relationship undergoes intense trials as the novel progresses, but they end up together at the novel’s conclusion. Think about relationships you are familiar with that survived despite the odds, and reflect on what makes them work.

4. Arkady believes that power and influence justify bending the rules. Can you think of real-world examples—either personal or historical—that show that there is some truth in his philosophy or that he is clearly wrong?