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This is a discussion topic for the July 2024 Book of the Month, "Demonslayer" by Ian P. Eviston


What is your opinion on the moral dilemma Spirit, the main character in this book, faces at the beginning of "Demonslayer" by Ian P. Eviston?

He felt that he had to fight to earn the money for their upkeep and his sister’s medical bills. Yes, it was the moral thing to do, but I kept wondering if there are any safer jobs available and that it was a bit too heroic.

I think Spirit's moral dilemma is a good example of what many people face. The only way he can afford to pay for his sister's treatment is by prize fighting to the death. It is not good to kill people. But, this seems to have been the only choice available that would bring in enough money to afford the medical treatment his sister needs. He had just as much chance to die as the other fighters. The military and police face a similar dilemma. They do a dangerous job where they could lose their lives on any given day. But they earn money to take care of themselves and their loved ones while risking their own lives. However, if they die, they won't be around to help their families.

Spirit's moral dilemma is a reflection of many people's struggles. He must raise funds for his sister's treatment through prize fighting, despite the moral ambiguity. Military and police face similar challenges, working in dangerous environments to support themselves and their families.

It's very reminiscent of real life: people in tough situations are forced to do reprehensible things that they wouldn't have ordinarily done in order to survive and protect their families. It's easy to judge harshly from a position of privilege, but he did what he had to do to keep Emily alive. I think he is a very strong person, resilient in body, mind, and spirit (lol).

Well I must say that I was shocked to learn of what happened to those who lose the fight in the arena. Although, this disturbed Spirit, he felt he had to continue in other to pay for his sister's treatment. I think that he was just between a rock and a hard place. What shows that his morality is intact was the guilt he felt for doing it.

His job was too dangerous and he had to keep risking his life to pay his sister's medical bills. I would also wonder what would happen to my sister if I do end up losing my life here. So of course the moral dilemma was there.