READERS GUIDE

Questions and Topics for Discussion

1. How do past experiences influence the actions of the characters?

2. Is Siobhan’s innocence believable? Why or why not? 

3. How does the way Siobhan sees herself differ from how others see her? How do you see Siobhan?

4. What motivates Kee’s actions? Do you think his actions are justified or ethical?

5. Which character in the book do you think undergoes the most fundamental change–and why?

6. In terms of the plot, do events unfold quickly or is more effort spent developing characters’ inner lives? Does it affect your enjoyment of the book?

7. If you could meet and talk with one of the characters, who would it be?  Why?

8. Was there a passage or scene that struck you particularly, either emotionally or because of something you learned about rural Ireland or Irish culture?

9. Did the book have an overarching theme? If so, was it adequately explored?

10. Did anything surprise you about the book?

11. Are there any books to which you’d compare this one?

12. How did you respond to this author’s style of writing?

13. What did you take away from this book?