In Child 44, our hero Leo Demidov's got 99 problems, but at least his fam ain't one. Let's run down the list, shall we? He's just been fired from his high-ranking position in the Soviet secret police; both he and his wife are accused of being traitors; and let's not even get into the serial-killer spree that haunts his days and nights. In the midst of this chaos, Leo clings to the one thing that's never let him down: his family. That's not to say that things are perfect in the Demidov household—in fact, tracing that family tree is more complicated than solving calculus.
Regardless, Leo's saving grave is that he never stops fighting for his family, no matter what obstacles are placed in his way.
Questions About Family
- Why is Leo so dedicated to helping his parents?
- Why is Leo so shaken by Raisa's claim that she never loved him?
- Compare and contrast Leo's and Vasili's feelings on family.
- In your opinion, is Leo drawn to the murders because of his relationship to Andrei? Explain.