• In the air battle for Malta, Kit Curtis strives to wage war with some degree of honour and decency, Ossie Wolf by any means at his disposal. How do you feel about the two men’s differing attitudes to war.
  
• What impact do you think such wartime conflicts have on the life we lead today?
  
• How symbolic is Curtis in reflecting the passing of Britain as a world power, and Wolf the rise of the United States in the post-war decades to come?
  
• Do you think the contribution of the Maltese people in World War Two has been sufficiently recognised, both in this novel and generally?
  
• How do you feel about the author’s treatment of the German and Italian forces? Has he depicted them fairly, or has he adhered to the conventional stereotypes?
  
• How effectively do you think the author has captured the spirit and flavour of the time?
  
• Does Ossie Wolf’s relationship with Claudia Farinacci suggest that he is not such a hard nut after all?
  
• Does this book help you understand better the sacrifices and privations of those involved in the Siege of Malta? In what ways?
  
• Who emerges with the greatest credit and integrity from the story: Curtis or Wolf

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