Child 44 Theme of Justice and Judgment

Set during some of the worst years of life in the Soviet Union, Child 44 depicts a world where justice has been turned topsy-turvy. This is a system where finding the truth matters less than securing a conviction, where suspects are considered guilty until proven innocent. Really, folks, you'd be way better off trying your luck with Judge Judy. As Leo Demidov fights for justice within this corrupt system—becoming a target himself—we come to realize that true justice isn't always about doing things by the books; sometimes it's simply about saying enough is enough.

Questions About Justice and Judgment

  1. Was Leo just as an MGB agent? Explain.
  2. Why do government officials refuse to support Leo's investigation?
  3. What causes Nesterov to put his family at risk to find justice?
  4. What is the relationship between justice and truth in this book?