Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears   
Book Club Discussion Questions 

Part I

1). ‘a man without a country’. What makes them feel this way? Do you think you would feel the same were to move to another country? Do, family, culture and customs not welcome you back,  even though some things may have changed?

2). The tribal nature of Southie and emigrants ganging together by place of origin…why is this an advantage for Love?

3). Knowing what she does about Emma’s involvement in trying to frame Casey, why does Pamela take the chance with her? 
What makes her think Emma might cooperate?

4). Is there any significance to the fact that this pub was owned by a Protestant?

Part II

5). Kirkpatrick's Folly is composed of a variety of architectural styles, yet somehow it seems made to order for Jamie. How is he both 'Georgian' and 'Victorian' in his personal style?

6). "I think a man or woman sees themselves as beautiful through their parent's eyes first ..." Share with us your thoughts on this statement by Casey.

7). How does Victor's story reflect the story of the nation in which he lives? Why was it necessary that Pamela be witness to this tragic event?


Part III

8). It didn't seem like Casey to be quite so abrupt with Lawrence after receiving the pocket watch. How did you feel about Casey's reaction?

9). Why do you think the young soldier would react with such cruelty and brutality to the old man seated next to Pat in the Barracks gym? Why do you think some people react to the loss of normal social constraints in such ways and others maintain their humanity?

10). What did you think of David when we (and Pat) first met him?


Part IV
11). Casey has a “dream” in which he speaks with Brian. What do you make of the whole experience? Do you think there is any significance to the stones and ground in the beginning of the dream? Do you think this experience will change Casey?

12). We see Jamie feeding this beautiful white dove. He seems to have a way with animals and people. They feel safe in his presence. Did any of you see Jamie resembling some other "safe" person? 


Part V

13). Any comments or feelings about the seal and/or the connection to the other 'creatures' that find Casey in times of great need throughout the two books?

14). What is the significance of Nuala and her life, her story? I must say that her story has stayed with me and I think of her often. I would wait too. You?


Part VI

15). “Derry, which despite a population comprised largely of working class Catholics, hadn’t seen a Nationalist mayor in fifty years.” Did the lack of Democracy surprise you? How do you think that occurred during those years? Do you think they are truly past this type of corruption now?

17). Does Pamela scare Casey because they are cut from the same cloth? Do you see their shared sense of invincibility as a threat to their relationship?


Part VIII

18).  Did you expect the outcome that is painfully revealed here? What role did Lawrence play throughout 'Mermaid?' Should he be regarded as simply another character in the story, or was he symbolic of something deeper?

19). Speculate on why Robin's father, of all people, was the trigger man in Brian Riordan's execution.

 20). If you were Casey, could you forgive Pamela? Do you want Casey to forgive her?

21). What, if anything, did the little ruined cottage serve to symbolize (in their marriage, in Ireland)? Why?

22). This planet - a ripple on the shore of infinity. Such a statement might make someone feel pretty insignificant. In light of the immeasurable vastness of infinity, what significance is there in the love between two people?