To what extent do you feel the natural environment influences events in the story? Do have specific scenes where you felt this was especially true?

To what extent do you feel the natural environment influences events in the story? Do have specific scenes where you felt this was especially true?

I do not recall any.

I think that Ireland's counrtyside, with its forests and small villages lends itself to fairy tales. When Sarah found the diary in the tree, I thought that was magical. I've walked in a lot of forests, gardens, and trails, and never thougth to look for any hidden treasures. Yet somehow, Sarah did look.

Ireland is a beautiful country and small villages are historic. I do not recall any specifics.

The Fairy Fort on the hill above the mansion felt like a true Fairy Fort. It was a mound that was revered and untouched. Respect for the Fae runs strong in Ireland and no one would dare disturb a Fairy spot. I do think the trees and the forts played a huge part in the story and could not have happened in another location. I loved that Sarah found the diary in a tree. How she found that was magical.

I thought she was pretty brave putting her hand in a hollow tree--hmm- magical indeed

The rolling hills of Ireland, the plush greenery, ancient trees, and rock walls all contribute to the beautiful scenery of this fabulous countryside. These places are perfect places for the Good People to hide. For some inexplicable reason, a person can feel the fae in their soul. You ask if there is a specific scene to relate this to - NO. The whole country is conducive to fairy tales and falling in love with the land and its people.

First off, I agree with katherinep about putting her hand in a hollow tree in the dark... that was another part that I felt was a little far fetched! But other than that, I think the pure beauty of Ireland and its greeness made the setting and the story easy to imagine. When Sarah picked the flowers and Oran reacted the way he did, the nature was what sparked his memory of his late wife. I thought there were lots of natural scenes in the book that helped with the narrative.

The eery forest scenes are conducive to fairy sightings.