What did you think of Brid's decision to leave Ireland after the bombing? Were you surprised by her relatives' responses when she tried to make contact afterwards?

What did you think of Brid's decision to leave Ireland after the bombing? Were you surprised by her relatives' responses when she tried to make contact afterwards?

I think it was the right decision because had she stayed her mother might have requested more and more of her to participate in the violence and that would have destroyed her. I was a bit surprised by her family's reaction to her contact. But they were living with pain all of the time and probably thought she was not because she left. They judged her for having the courage to get out.

I guess not surprised that she wanted to flee. A bit surprised at, knowing the logistics of such a move, that she was able to accomplish it without more help. I am always floored when families get to the point of arguing and losing contact with each other. I have a huge family and can't imagine that happening. We argue and make up all the time. I have to admit, her situation was much more fraught than most of the situations we have, so really can't judge her mother for her feelings.

I was not surprised that she decided to flee, after taking part in one fatal bombing she realized that she could not do it again. I was surprised that she took her sister's identity. As harsh as her mom's response was it didn't surprise me.

Brid’s decision to leave Ireland after the bombing was an act of survival. If she stayed home she would never be free and I think she saw that. While she struggled emotionally and was never really able to let go she made a life for herself that didn’t perpetuate violence and hatred. But she had to return home to truly begin to heal.

Yes, Brid did the right thing to leave, particularly as she feared she could be implicated in the bombing. It's too bad she didn't feel she could discuss the decision with anyone ahead of time; that might have made it easier on all parties. I understand where her brother Tad was coming from, but his words were pretty hurtful. Plus he wasn't that much younger than Brid so I feel like he also could have escaped, if he'd chosen to - perhaps understanding Brid's choice, even if he was hurt by it.

Yes, Tad could have left - like his siblings - but he stayed. He says at one point that he was left with the responsibility - and the anger. I think he felt responsible for taking care of his parents - as best he could - despite all they had done to him. He is still there at the end.

I read once that the only unconditional love is that of a child for his parents - despite what they do to him. Not true of everyone of course, but certainly more true of children for parents than vice versa - as we have certainly seen in this novel.

I am not sure Brid had any other option than to leave. She clearly couldn't deal with the psychological aspects of knowing that she might have killed people by her participation in the terrorism. What was more unforgiveable was that her mother was her coach. What kind of mother would do that to a young girl? I was surprised that she was able to get as far as she did and start a new life. But honestly, did Brid ever really escape since she seemed to be tormented in her new life too.

I agree with Elizabetta--Brid's leaving was an act of survival although I think it was necessary on many levels. Not only was she in danger of being exposed and arrested, but it also seemed to me that her mother was ready and willing to sacrifice Brid for "the cause". This was born out when we finally find out what her mother's last words to her were "it should have been you". I think her mother would have pushed her harder and further toward violence. When Brid finally called home when she was married and pregnant, her mother sounded disgusted to find out she was still alive. I was shocked that Brid wanted to go back to Ireland for the funeral.

I think the guilt was too much from Brid and she had to flee. I think at first, she did want vengeance for her sister's death, but killing others doesn't change anything.

I think had she not left when she did, she would have been drawn deeper into the organization and could have never left.

I feel that Brid making the courageous decision to leave was the only way that she could survive both psychologically and perhaps physically and agree that it was ultimately an act of survival.