How do you believe the narrative explores the concept of tradition against modern sensibilities?

How do you believe the narrative explores the concept of tradition against modern sensibilities?

Anna's choice to stay with her family was traditional, while Sarah's choice to remain in Ireland was modern sensibilities. Doing what makes you happy is contraindicated in societies steeped in tradition.

I think there are still societies that are steeped with traditional roles for women. even in our own country, women are still assigned roles, or denied roles based on how people feel women "should be" or not be. Look at our political system. Women have been denied political roles because they laugh funny, or are emotional, or thought to not be "up to the task". We are half the population of the world! Society is losing out by counting us out!

I feel the novelist does present a valid view of the supernatural in the modern world. I visited Dublin in 2000 and experienced what my wife and I thought to be a leprechaun. He/she/it stayed in a small dorm/apartment near us at the University of Dublin. We never saw the other guest, except that the "thing" would sing "Danny Boy" late at night and leave scones outside our door the next morning. Once, it burned toast about 4 a.m. and I went to the kitchen to examine the smell, but nothing was there. Later, I asked the conference coordinators about our other party. They said no one had registered for that room. On the last day, as we were departing, a four-leaf clover was left under our door. Do I believe?

I agree with above comments.

Anna's story was steeped in tradition, while Sarah's lived in the modern world. It was a great contrast between the two experiences in Ireland. Anna gave up her love to care for family. Sarah left family to find healing and love. It completed the circle of the story. Anna's love left for America and Sarah left America to find love.