Is Kostia the hero of this novel? Why or why not?

Which of the accused to you believe acted the most honorably? Why?

How does suspicion play a key role in this novel?

Describe the different interrogation techniques used in this novel. Which were the most effective?

Does truth make an appearance in this novel? If so, where?

What is the role of the Chief in the overall storyline?

Why did the author name chapter six "Every Man Has His Own Way of Drowning"?

What did author Victor Serge mean when he said that the novelist who writes fiction is after "a richer and more general truth than the truth of observation"?