What did you think of Sarah's decision to stay in Ireland? What was your biggest spur-of-the-moment decision, or the last time you did something just for yourself?

Sarah “couldn’t recall the last time she had done something so impulsive and purely for herself.” Why do you feel this was true? What did you think of her decision to stay in Ireland? What was your biggest spur-of-the-moment decision, or the last time you did something just for yourself?

Good for her! It was brave, bold, true to herself, and healing. She took control over her life and I admire that.

For self care, I decided to have a koi pond built next to our deck this summer to celebrate my birthday and give me a place for quiet reflection. I’m here now, listening to the waterfall and watching the koi, completely at peace.

Sarah's decision was smart. It was what gave her peace and enabled her to go on living in spite of her grief. My biggest spur of the moment decision was to go with a friend and some others I don't know to a country music festival - because I love country music and my husband doesn't. I don't normally travel or do too many things without my husband, so this was big for me.

I think she followed her heart. She felt comfortable with the people in the village. She was also able to resume her career in art and become more peaceful with herself.

You had to know from the start she was going to stay, and I loved that she did. By exploring her grief and sadness, and allowing those feelings to be real, she learned to trust in herself.

She was a mess and needed to make some big changes or she was headed for either a mental breakdown or possible demise. At my age I am not as able to do or go as easy as when younger, but I am still a creative soul. So this soul trots herself off to an art class, the library or bookstore to find myself a piece of escape. If we don't learn to be good to ourselves and find ways to take care of our minds and bodies, we miss so many good things in this world.

I am too pragmatic. Sarah appeared to be flighty with the decision to head to reland without thought or purpose or really without financial planning or luggage. However, it is a story so I did not question some of the more standard necessities.

It seemed obvious that she would stay in Ireland early on in the book. She was looking to escape and quickly settled into life in the cottage as well as in the village. I wish Sarah had taken on a part-time job in order to make staying in Ireland more believable.

was risk and reversable if she later wanted to go back to the US. My biggest impulsive was deciding to build a new house and move during our first tour of a model ranch - it was a good impulsive decision. A year or so later my elderly Mother unexpectedly moved in and my husband had extensive foot reconstruction - Neither had to deal with stairs.

I can't even imagine getting drunk and waking up in another country! I understand she was grieving and needed a respite, but at the same time I'm not sure I'd think that was the best way to heal. Obviously it worked (plot-wise) but still.

I don't know that I do much just for myself, or on a spur-of-the-moment basis. I think the most adventurous solo thing I've done is take myself to a movie when my husband's otherwise occupied.

Sarah was in a bad place. Even in Ireland, Sarah continued to self-medicate herself with alcohol. She remained a mess. Finally, the kindness of strangers and the stories of other's sufferings broke through her fog of self-absorption.

Impulsively traveling to Ireland was probably not the most rational action Sarah could have taken. However, what an adventure and she certainly ended up where she needed to be.
Related to the question above about how women have more freedom and support now than they did years ago, would this question even be asked if Sarah were a male character?

I thought it was very impulsive. I can’t imagine getting on the wrong plane and ending up in Ireland and then staying there. She did seem like she needed a big change.

I loved that she stayed. How could she not? She finally found peace and hope for a future. Plus she started painting again.

I used to take maps out, close my eyes and point to a spot then take a trip there same day. It was wonderful. Sometimes I'd stay overnight. Other times I'd pass through to somewhere else. One time I even went to the airport and bought a ticket on the next flight not knowing where it was going. I love taking adventures like that. I'd do that at the movie theater too. Just buy a ticket to the next showing of whatever. It's good to be surprised.

Did she stay though? At the end, she's back in New York and Oran arrives having received a ticket from her to the States. The implication is that she goes back with him, but I wonder if she looks around and realizes Ireland was a nice escape but not her reality. Also, I know this is fiction, etc but it ain't that easy to just decide to live in another country permanently. One thing they always want to know is how are you going to support yourself and if you have an occupation that will dislodge a citizen you may not get in..Just a reality check LOL after living in the world of fantasy for awhile

Sometimes, when grief engulfs one's being, a change is needed both in the setting and the people around you. Sarah was stuck in her grief. While indeed brave in her choice, it was just what she needed, as alcohol was not the answer. Her love of history was reinstilled, and her instincts were realized. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if she goes back to Ireland with Oran or stays in the known reality of New York, healed by her experiences.

It was a little unbelievable for me, and maybe that is because it would be totally out or character for me to do something like that ! I also thought it was a little crazy that she didn't really communicate with her parents or sister while she was there....but this is a story, and it worked well for the story!
I do things for myself pretty regularly, but getting drunk and ending up on the wrong plane and just deciding to stay in another country, is not one of them! ha ha

I liked that Sarah decided to stay in Ireland. The place seemed to suit her. To just pack up and leave my life is not something I would ever see myself doing.
I don't do a lot for myself, but these days I take the time to read, which makes me happy.

Yes, she got drunk but I don't think she got on the wrong plane. I think she booked the trip to Ireland on purpose while she was drunk upon seeing the Hawthorne tree. It is as though something (or someone) else was guiding her, perhaps a fairy. In any case, it was a good move, sometimes following one's impulse is smart. As others have stated in this string, I am confused as to whether she "stays" in Ireland. The end is confusing, for me. I thought she did stay in Ireland and then, after a time, she gets Jack to showcase her art in his gallery in New York but why is she surprised to see Oran? She didn't know he was coming to her exhibit? Oran says she sent him a ticket but she says she didn't. Something missing here, unless a fairy did it.

In August of 1999, I quit my job in New Hampshire and flew to San Francisco the same day. I stayed with my cousin until I found a job in San Mateo and I stayed for nine months. Best job I ever had. Returning to New Hampshire - and a husband I have been trying to escape for half my life - was the biggest mistake I've ever made. When people say they wouldn't change a thing if they had it to do over, I feel sad. I certainly would. Yes, I was grieving from the loss of my 15-year old son in a tragic accident in 1988, but that has not been the worst tragedy. I've envisioned a different life for more than thirty years, and I've been too chicken, too co-dependent and too "Catholic" to make it happen. How's that for psycho-babble? Good book?