Why is Jo, by 11 years old already questioning the hate she is being fed by her father? Why is she not believing all that she is being told? Do you believe that we have “Knowing within our soul?”

     As a young child Jo feels the rejection of her mother, Ilya. What role do you think this played in her development as an adult? 

     Ilya remained silent when she realized that Jo was not her child. Would you have done the same under the circumstances? 

     The title Clouds Across the Sun represents a time in the history      when darkness enveloped the world. It seemed dark yet the sun was still there. How do you think this relates to the story of the Jewish people? 

      Hans Wells and Otto Milch have a complicated relationship. Why do you think that Otto allowed himself to be manipulated by Hans when he was able to control others with his extraordinary abilities with hypnosis?  What role did his sister, Ilya play in his life and decisions? 

     Why do you think Hans felt no remorse for his horrendous activities during the war? Do you think that Hans Wells loved his daughter above his commitment to the Third Reich?

      Jo’s life from the outside looks idilic. She is moneyed, beautiful, everything is put in front of her on a silver platter. Do  you think her life is perfect? Why do you think she was so popular in school? Why do you think she excels in everything she tries to do from sports to politics? What effect to you think her friend Sweeny had on her?

     Jo falls in love with Andrew Taxton. Throughout the entire book we weave in and out of the affair. Do you think that Jo ever really loved him? 

     Did you admire Andy at any time in the book? What did you think of Andy’s father and mother and the control they had over their son? 

     Jo meets Robert Osborne. That event changes her life. Do you believe an encounter with a person can change your life? 

     Do you think Jo was drawn to Robert by spiritual forces within her soul? 

     Do you think Robert not telling Jo about her mother was the right thing for him to do? Would you have told her? 

     Jo’s family bought her position at the law firm and her election. How is that relevant today? Are elections being financed with personal fortunes in America today?  

     The money that enabled Jo to gain access to politics was money stollen from the Jews and put into the Nazi coffers. That information has just come to light. Did you ever wonder where that money is today?

     Aaron Blumenthal has a dramatic effect of Jo’s life and is in love with with her for years. Believing Jo is gentile, he finds it impossible to deny his heritage as a Jew and does not allow himself to have the relationship. Do you agree with him? 

     Do you think Aaron Blumenthal owed it to his parents to remain faithful to his religion? 

     How do you think Aaron’s childhood affected him? Why do you think he spent so much time turning his home into a museum? 

     Vladimir/David and Anna don’t play a large role in the book but he has an enormous impact on Jo. Why do you think that is? What is it about David that touches Jo?

     Rebecca and Saul are the connection for Robert to his wife Morgan. The relationship is complicated and intense. Rebecca becomes the mother Jo never really had. They too deceive Jo and don’t reveal the truth to her. Do you think they should have remained silent? 

     What effect did Robert’s death have on Jo, Rebecca, Saul and Aaron?

     Throughout the story we have the Nazis plotting to put Jo into the White House. In the book I describe the power the president has when taking office to withhold information from the public and to appoint 6,000 people to his government. Without Oversight! How could this effect our country? 

      Are things happening today in our government that could be detrimental to Israel?

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