In general, Harris's fiction is marked by psychological insight, an attention to detail which provides a sense of authenticity, and an ability to pull his villains from the ranks of those who most frighten us. Discussion of any of his works might consider his penchant for humanizing the inhuman, for suggesting the depths of good and evil in each of us, and for arguing that although good may triumph over evil it often does so only at great cost.

1. Harris provides extensive backgrounds and extenuating circumstances for his villains. Does this cause you to regard them differently, or is it difficult for you to feel sorry for them?

2. Does Black Sunday illuminate the conflict between Arabs and Israelis in any way or does it simply use this conflict as a backdrop?

3. As the Vietnam War becomes more remote in time, it becomes more difficult for people...