The Outsider

Reading Guide Questions for THE OUTSIDER

1. How closely does Frederick Forsyth’s life story in The Outsider follow the collective narrative of his time? Do his ambitions and career goals match those of other men from the era, as portrayed in books and movies and on television shows?

2. Would Forsyth be able to accomplish similar things if he had been born today?

3. Frederick Forsyth attributes many of his great accomplishments to luck or to the help of friends and family. Do you agree with this assessment? How much did the author’s own decisions dictate the trajectory of his life?

4. In what ways has the media changed since Forsyth worked as foreign correspondent?

5. International relations play a key role throughout The Outsider. Did the representatives of each country described behave as you would expect them to or follow an agenda you would have anticipated? Did any scenes change your views on how foreign affairs are (or should be) conducted?

6. What does it mean to be an outsider? Is being an outsider a strength or a weakness for Frederick Forsyth?