1. While describing the once beautiful country and a kind and generous people, Meier intertwines terrifying tales of the atrocities
committed that account for the future pain of an entire nation. Does he succeed in illustrating the tragedy of Liberia?
2. Ken and Sam are returning to Liberia to buy cut-rate rough diamonds to smuggle into the U.S.
a. Does the fact that this is illegal give them pause?
b. Does it occur to anyone in Liberia that this might be unethical?
c. Ken has several ‘moral’ decisions to make throughout the book. How does this help underline the ethical environment in Liberia?
3. Would you define the Americo-Liberian government as an Oligarchy? Why?
a. Why did the Americo-Liberians, well-educated as they were, not see a Coup d’État coming?
b. Did the Americos think that they could continue repressing the country people for the foreseeable future?
4. What other countries in history have suffered a similar fate, i.e. the overthrow of an oligarchical regime?
a. What countries emerged the better after a revolution.
b. After reading about the Sgt Doe’s coup, what chance do you give Liberia in becoming a democratic and prosperous nation?
5. While many details of the actual Coup d’État are unknown, the CIA plays a significant role in this book. Is that believable?
a. Did the U.S. have a vested interest in overthrowing the Talbert Regime. Why?
6. Piers Davis is introduced to the reader as an educated, thoughtful Americo-Liberian.
a. Does she understand the actual plight of the indigenous Liberian?
b. oes she understand the difference between race relations in America and race relations in Liberia?
