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Book Jacket

Harbor of Spies

A captivating thriller-at-sea set in Spanish colonial Havana in the 1860s.

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Author Biography

Discuss Harbor of Spies by Robin Lloyd

Emma thinks Townsend's initial refusal to get involved makes him a supporter of slavery. Do you agree?

11

Jul. 03, 2018
by Elizabeth Marie

Britain abolished slavery in 1833; do you think they helped perpetuate it elsewhere by their actions?

8

Jul. 03, 2018
by Elizabeth Marie

What is your view of blockade running?

12

Jun. 22, 2018
by viquig

Why do you think Emma was so compelled to get involved?

11

Jun. 22, 2018
by viquig

While imprisoned and fearing for his life, Townsend "conjures up" a vision of wildlife to calm himself. Do you have a similar technique when stressed?

11

Jun. 14, 2018
by PinkLady

Why would Townsend try to justify his grandmother's actions? Do you find yourself making excuses for others' behavior or choices?

6

Jun. 14, 2018
by Elizabeth Marie

Why do you think Townsend ultimately agrees to become a spy? Is becoming a spy the more noble course of action for him?

7

Jun. 14, 2018
by Elizabeth Marie

Contribution to Civil War fiction?

7

Jun. 13, 2018
by renem

Have you ever received words of wisdom from a parent or elder that you've learned to live by?

10

Jun. 12, 2018
by rebeccar

Townsend's career has not turned out as he and his father expected. Has your career turned out as you expected? If you have adult children, what do you think of their career choices?

10

Jun. 12, 2018
by rebeccar

What was most troubling about the novel?

7

Jun. 12, 2018
by rebeccar

Which of the novel's descriptions of historical detail impressed you the most?

12

Jun. 10, 2018
by lesleyf

Townsend wonders if the meaning of life is merely "to overcome one's miseries, the sadness, the fears and the loss." What do you think?

13

Jun. 10, 2018
by lesleyf

General overview / impression of Harbor of Spies

25

Jun. 07, 2018
by Elizabeth Marie

Have you ever, like Townsend, ever uncovered anything about your parents or grandparents that surprised you?

8

Jun. 04, 2018
by nancyh

Was Townsend right to trust Michael Abbott? What would you have done in similar circumstances?

11

Jun. 04, 2018
by nancyh

Do you agree with Townsend that if his mother had stayed on her Cuban plantation that "her principles would have slowly eroded" and she would have become like her mother?

14

Jun. 04, 2018
by nancyh

Do you have political divides with friends, family or co-workers, and if so, how do you handle them?

17

Jun. 03, 2018
by PinkLady

Had you heard of emancipados before? Why did Cubans turn a blind eye to it? Are there questionable practices we turn a blind eye to today?

5

Jun. 02, 2018
by Nae

Townsend called the head of the Naval Academy a "dunderhead." Do you recall any words you've regretted, or that have changed the course of your life?

4

May. 27, 2018
by pennyp

Before reading this book, were you aware that foreign countries were interested in the outcome of America's Civil War and attempted to interfere? Did you know about Cuba's role in the conflict? Does knowing this change your perception of current events?

5

May. 26, 2018
by marionw

Do you think Townsend is a good person? Does he change throughout the novel?

13

May. 26, 2018
by Elizabeth Marie

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