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Discussion of the written works of Author Cindy Brandner

Welcome to Cindy's Cottage
A discussion board for the written works of Irish-Canadian author
Cindy Brandner

Please post with respect.
Literary critique is acceptable; bashing of authors and board members is not

"I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honeybee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade." William Butler Yeats

Cindy Brandner's Website S&S Pub S&S Book Discussion Board Shamrocks & Stones
Website Exit Unicorns
on Youtube Dream Date Contest Entries

**Spoiler Warning**
We will have open discussions of Cindy's books,
if you have not read both Exit Unicorns and Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears, you will encounter spoilers!!

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Chapter 37: Zorba and Company Despite the deadly serious nature of his task, I found myself smiling at the image of Jamie as "Zorba, The Greek" in this chapter. Then I had a vision of Jamie in his get-up and Casey as the priest pulling off some scheme together and laughed out loud. Now, on to the questions. -- Carla, 08:39:50 09/24/07 Mon [14]
1. Both Casey and Jamie seem to enjoy “becoming” someone else, and both are very good at it. They’re also both very good, and more than willing, at using “whatever means necessary” to get the information they need. Are there are any other similarities between the two men?

2. Who do you think wanted Casey dead? And why torture him like that, why not just shoot him and through his body in the Lough or leave it in Dun Siog?

3. What did you think when Jamie told Pamela what he’d done with Casey?

Chapter 38: The Maidstone

1. If you were Pamela, would you want to know what it was really like in the prison, or would you prefer to remain in ignorance?

2.Why did Casey stand up so boldly to the Sergeant, knowing what it would mean for him personally?

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I have a busy day tomorrow, so I'm posting questions for three chapters to day. New questions will come either late tomorrow evening or on Monday morning. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! I will to admit to finding this section of the book difficult to read, I can only imagine living through the writing of it, never mind actually LIVING through it. The sick feeling I get in my stomach, and my agony on Pamela's behalf are testament to Cindy's incredible skill as a writer. -- Carla, 11:05:43 09/22/07 Sat [19]
Chapter 34: And Justice for None

1. What struck you when reading this chapter? I’ll put my thoughts down once a few of you have answered.

2. Why do you think Casey trusts Jamie?

3. What was it that Pamela inadvertently revealed to Jamie about the state of her marriage?

Chapter 35: Pat

1. 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?

2. The second half of this chapter simply left me sick to my stomach with fear and hate. Feeling so strongly on behalf of a character in a book (although he’s real, of course), made me think how much worse it must be in real life. Just an observation, please feel free to weigh in with any thoughts, questions or observations of your own.

Chapter 36:The Devil and Mrs. Jones

1. Who do you think Joan is? And why would Colleen, a nun, visit a Protestant house?

2. Joan is yet another of the wonderful secondary characters Cindy has breathed to life and who helps us see yet another facet of Jamie. What did you make of their interaction?

3. Why is Jamie willing to go so far and risk so much to find Casey? Is it out of love for Pamela? A sense of responsibility for her? So he can live with himself should the worst happen? All or none or some other reason altogether?

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Cindy,, I haven't been around for a while now. I have a few questions. -- bug, 07:39:40 09/22/07 Sat [7]
I thought I'd stick em here betweeen discussions.

What is the name of the next book?

How many books do you foresee in this series?

Are there events in Mermaids that are based on reality, like Bloody Sunday, for example?

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- My working title is 'Flights of Angels' from a quote in Hamlet. 2) I'm not sure- probably five though is my guess at this point- though my DH swears it will go six. 3) Yes absolutely, all the major events in the book such as internment, Bloody Sunday, Bloody Friday etc are completely factual- for Bloody Sunday I laid out the map of events, where each body fell, the direction the shots came from etc. I also read through all the coroner's reports before writing the scene where Pat and Father Jim are present at the autopsies. I'm meticulous about these things, because well I have to be and because the people who died there and the families that survived them are owed that and I take that responsibility very seriously. (NT) -- celtgirl, 09:12:39 09/22/07 Sat
  - I admire the work and research you have done in writing these books. Especially given how painful much of it must be. (NT) -- LadyPeggyB, 21:11:05 09/22/07 Sat
    - Thanks, Peggy, I think my main emotion is often anger that this could happen in the 20th century in a supposedly civilized nation, with the acts perpetrated by a government that now denies it as though it never happened. (NT) -- celtgirl, 15:22:17 09/23/07 Sun
      - We're fooling ourselves if we think that our world is truly civilized. The hideous atrocities in the Middle East and African nations such as Rwanda clearly show the depths of hatred that one group can feel for another, and it's almost always based on religious differences. I have such a hard time believing the stories we see on current TV can be possible in this day and age, but they are. Your stories, Cindy, are another example, probably less well known to the general populace, but just as poignant in portraying the brutality and senseless hatred of others. (NT) -- Denise, 20:19:26 09/23/07 Sun
      - The US Civil Rights movement, too - like The Troubles, it's hard to believe that in a so-called enlightened age such things could happen. This world is just nuts. When I see pictures of Darfur, I am ashamed that we are not helping more. Not seeking a political debate here, just conveying my sadness and disgust. And so much of the horrors are aimed at women, too. Always attack the most vulnerable and least likely to hit back - that seems to be the universal first rule of warfare. (NT) -- Elaine, 21:12:16 09/23/07 Sun
- Thanks Cindy. I figured they were true. I didn't want to take it for granted that they were though. (NT) -- bug, 07:16:57 09/24/07 Mon
Part Three -- Carla, 06:07:36 09/21/07 Fri [16]
First, thanks Elaine for such wonderful, thought-provoking questions. You're a tough act to follow, woman.

The title of Part Three, Nothing Sacred made me think about what I hold sacred in my life. So, without further ado, here's my first question:

1. What’s sacred to you? Not in the sense of religious items or beliefs or practices, but what are the things that you need in your life in order to feel whole? What ideas, principles or things (in the broadest sense of the word, not necessarily meaning items) are sacred to you?

2. Does our society have too many, or too few, sacred things?

Chapter 33: With Extreme Prejudice

1. If Liam was known to be part of the IRA, why would Casey think his house was safe? Why not flee farther afield? And why take Pamela and Lawrence with him? Why not send them to Jamie's house where even the British Army would fear to tread? Why not ask Jamie to help hide them?

2. Could you separate yourself out as Pamela did and take pictures of your husband being hauled off half-naked by soldiers to any number of horrible fates?

3. What do you think Casey wrote to Jamie?

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Chapter 31 - ... And Everywhere that Mary Went -- Elaine (), 19:13:42 09/19/07 Wed [13]
1) This chapter exudes a wonderful sense of pastoral contentedness. What aspect of Pamela's past might have contributed to the ease with which she settles into country life here in Coomnablath? (Remember, this was the same exotic young woman who performed a sensual dance in the firelight for Jamie, and the same sophisticated lady who played hostess to a Boston political powerhouse.)

Chapter 32 - The Tears of Saint Lawrence

1) After reading this chapter, do you feel that Pamela has now been fully cleansed of Love Haggerty? Is your response based on a feeling, or is there evidence to support it?

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

3) "I guess I always thought people could tell just by lookin' at me, what I was, what I'd done." It seemed as though Lawrence's words could just as easily have come from Pamela - not regarding the rape on the train but rather what happened while in Boston. Why did Lawrence open up so candidly with Pamela at this time? Why did it not happen sooner, or not happen at all?

4) Not a question, but a couple of comments here. Feel free to respond to them if you wish.

(a) Casey tells Pamela, "Now I've got a handful of orphans ..." To me, it seems as if every living creature residing in that little cottage is an orphan in one way or another, not just Lawrence and the various animals, but Casey and Pamela as well. It's kind of nice that they've all found each other.

(b) I readily accept that Pamela is gorgeous, smart, talented and selfless to the degree that she risks her life with some regularity. In fact, I love Pamela and have said more than once that I feel a need to protect her. But I must admit that, even if you think it shallow of me, I am truly gratified to know this perfect woman cannot cook worth a damn.

Last edited by author: Wed September 19, 2007 19:15:31 Edited 1 time.
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Chapter 28 - Lucky You, Lucky Me -- Elaine, 19:25:34 09/18/07 Tue [23]
1) Was it wise, do you think, for Pamela and Casey to invite Lawrence into their home? How would you feel if this opportunity presented itself to you - what would you do?

2) "... the right thing is rarely the easy thing ..." Casey tells Robin. What was the hardest decision you've ever had to make? Were you glad you made that decision, would you do it again if you had to?

Chapter 29 - Paddy's Lament

1) Was Casey avoiding his destiny as Robin suggested? Where was he most needed, outside or inside the organization?

2) Based on the dialogue between the two men, do you think Robin has given up on his need for revenge? Why or why not?

3) Speculate with me, please. Do you think there will ever be a time when Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will be unified? Why do you feel the way you do?

Chapter 30 - A Little Irish Homestead

1) I loved the little ritual Pamela observed at the lighting of the cottage's first fire in the hearth. Have you any ritual(s) that your family has observed over the years? Tell us about it/them.

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Chapter 25 - Hollow of Flowers -- Elaine, 22:04:50 09/17/07 Mon [42]
1) What does the sequoia symbolize?

2) Do you feel that Casey, in building a home some distance away from the city, is trying to avoid temptation? Or is he just trying to provide his wife with proper shelter?

3) Casey is so connected to the earth. Why does it anchor him and bring him joy?

Chapter 26 - The Boy

1) Why does it seem to be human nature to offer food to someone who appears agitated or anxious? Do you do this, too? Why?

2) Your impression of Flip, please.

Chapter 27 - When the Evening Falls

1) Who is your closest friend and why? Are there any special memories the two of you share? Would you care to share any memories with us?

2) Do you suspect Robin's parents were involved in Jo's disappearance? Why or why not?

3) Does this chapter soften you toward Robin? Why or why not? Did you believe him when he apologized to Casey?

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Chapter 23 - The Travellers -- Elaine (), 22:08:49 09/16/07 Sun [32]
1) What motivates Pat to help others?

2) 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?

3) This chapter shows us the tightrope that Pat seems to be walking. Friend and foe are keeping a close eye on him from either side of the tightrope, each thinking he's too closely involved with the other. Has there ever been a time in your life when you were the outsider, the one who was regarded with trepidation? Or have you ever felt that someone, perhaps your boss or colleague, secretly wanted you to fail? Tell us about that time.

Chapter 24 - Nine Tenths of the Law

1) Cindy tells us why the work of Jan Vermeer reflected the essence of Jamie. She used words like 'personal darkness,' and 'light-ridden brush.' After studying the paintings of one or more of the following artists whose works appear in Kirkpatrick's Folly, tell us why they would appeal to Jamie:

a) David Hockney
b) Jackson Pollack
c) Robert Rauschenberg
d) Joseph Mallord William Turner
e) Jack Butler Yeats
f) Edgar Degas

2) A proverbial pissing match. A new tattoo. "Mine," he had called her as he made love to her that night. Just a man reconnecting with old mates over a few pints? Or was Casey responding to some subliminal message telling him to assert himself, to establish some level of ascendancy over Pamela? If he warned Pamela against Joe Doherty, why was he not heeding his own advice? What is Pamela thinking as she hears the story of this evening's hijinx? (Key sentence, p. 222: "...but when is a man wise when his pride's at stake?")

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Chapter 21 - Deuces Wild -- Elaine (), 21:07:37 09/14/07 Fri [24]
1) Based on your first impression of Robin, what are your thoughts now that you know he and Casey were old friends? Did you have any sense of relief after reading their chummy conversation?

2) What went through your mind as you read the last line of this chapter?

Chapter 22 - The Boys of Summer
After some rather heavy chapters, we enjoy some light-heartedness and laughter in the form of adolescent exploits, burned biscuits, even knitting. The very picture of tranquility. I don't know about you, but I think this chapter allowed me to breathe again.

1) "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.

2) I'll bet you can name a long list of women who have fallen for musicians. We all know beautiful actresses who have married raunchy-looking, albeit gifted, rock stars with bad reputations. Exactly what is this attraction for musicians all about, why does it happen?

3) Who is really at the heart of the Melissa story?

4) Was there a clue in this chapter as to the still unpaid debt that Robin mentioned at the end of Chapter 21?

Chapters 23 & 24 will be covered on Monday. Have a great weekend, everyshammie!

Last edited by author: Sat September 15, 2007 14:33:58 Edited 1 time.
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PART TWO - A Little Irish Homestead -- Elaine (), 06:36:03 09/14/07 Fri [66]
Chapter 18, Scotsman's Lament
I love this title because it has a direct link to music which plays a significant role in the chapter. In music, a Lament is a mournful tune, a very old form of music in fact. If we had actual tunes to go along with David's psalms in the Bible, I personally believe many of them would be considered Laments. The Lament has a special relationship to Scottish traditional music as it is often played by bagpipes.

1) Did you think the melee in The Cracked Pot was just a random occurrence, or did you guess that it was all planned in advance?

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

3) So ... based on this chapter, what's your impression of Robin?

4) Cindy introduces us to characters in this chapter that we will never see again. As is her style, we come to know these people immediately, and care about them. Why are they only present for one chapter? Why would she give us reason to like them, especially since they're on 'the other side' of The Troubles?

Chapter 19 - Home Again, Home Again

1) What might Pamela have been thinking as she glanced at Kirkpatrick's Folly from her kitchen window "several times a day?"

2) Given all that happened in Boston and how she practically sold her soul to save Casey, and then her debate with Fr. Kevin in Chapter 17, we see Pamela in devout prayer at the end of this chapter. Where do you think Pamela is in terms of her spirituality?

Chapter 20 - Kirkpatrick's Folly

1) Why does Pamela fall suddenly into ease when Maggie opens the front door - and her arms - to Pamela? Her mood changes later when Maggie asks if she was 'just visiting.' What was it about Maggie's question that caused Pamela unease?

2) Jamie is with Pamela for what seems to be less than 10 minutes yet he clearly sees that she is not herself. "Despair, disillusion, loss?" What is Jamie attuned to in Pamela that Casey seems to have missed?

3) 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?

** I'm adopting Maggie's line about Casey as my own: "I'd likely be more than even that laddie was willin' to take on." ;-)

Last edited by author: Fri September 14, 2007 06:37:03 Edited 1 time.
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Okay, so when do these Dream Date entries get shared with us? -- Elaine, 12:33:58 09/13/07 Thu [5]
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- I was wondering the same. Looks like I'll be home all day to enjoy the reading material. I'm verra much looking forward to it! (NT) -- Denise, 12:36:23 09/13/07 Thu
- Hahaha - well now funny you should mention that *g* I just got done! Come inside for a link to the board >>>>>> -- Marilyn, 12:59:37 09/13/07 Thu
  - OMG, Mahri I innocently sat down to eat my lunch of cheese and crackers and then read your limerick. I choked on cracker crumbs so tried to wash that down with Diet Coke, which went up the back of my nose. I have tears in my eyes from laughing. Too funny and so brilliant girl- love the visual by the way. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 13:07:36 09/13/07 Thu
  - That was a riot Marilyn! I was choking with laughter over my cereal here ;-) Well done! (NT) -- JaneH, 03:38:29 09/14/07 Fri
Wrapping up the first week :-) -- Marilyn, 17:50:10 09/12/07 Wed [58]
Chapter 15: 'Caught in the Crosshairs'

1) Love thinks it’s time to become respectable? Is that sarcasm on Agent Gus’ part?

2) Why would Casey’s name be in the file the Feds are putting together with Love’s help? Surely his personal vendetta against Casey has nothing to do with taking down the Bassarelli Family.

3) Evidently Pamela’s relationship with Love came with conditions….Casey remaining alive and well. Wouldn’t this have put some doubt in Love’s mind about Pamela’s motive for being with him?

Chapter 16: 'All the Way Home'

I really didn’t come up with many questions here.

Thank God Casey is back and not just physically! I could’ve spit when that wee shite Love was taunting him through the window.

1) Casey is alarmed by the smug expression on Love’s face when they are talking about men or women being for sale. We know what’s probably going through Love’s mind. What do you think Casey is thinking at this moment?

Chapter 17: 'Into the Mystic'

I really only have one question here.

Are you as shocked, disappointed or sick to your stomach over what Pamela is choosing to do here as you were about her decision to sleep with Love? Why or why not?

Thank You so Much Shammies for a great start to this discussion. I am a ‘back of the class’ sorta gal – going first is not something that comes easy to me. I just hope I did justice to the story so far and gave y’all enough to keep you talking

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Mermaid Discussion Day 5 -- Marilyn, 15:30:10 09/11/07 Tue [36]
I'm a little 'off' today Shammies. I did a quick spell check - my grammar is a lost cause ;-) I have unexpected company popping in here so I apologize for any errors but I wanted to go ahead and get these posted..seems to be a good time of day for discussion *g* I'll fix any booboo's later!

Chapter 12: 'Emma'

1) 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?

2) In the same vein, why does Emma cooperate now..after all these years? How would she know so much about the drug trafficking?

3) Do you think Emma’s son is Loves? If so, and the story about the other boy is true, does Love know? What are the reasons for getting rid of one illegitimate son and not the other?

Chapter 13: 'After Camelot'

1) So, Jamie recommends Pamela to Lucas North. Does that man know everyone?? I’m thinking Jamie must not know the trouble Pamela & Casey have got themselves into – especially Pamela, or wouldn’t he try to help her? Would he not have kept tabs on her one way or another, just to make sure she’s alright?

2) I really didn’t realize just how sharp the edge was Pamela was playing on here until Mark Ryan. What does Mark gain, or what was the purpose for his veiled threat on Casey’s life?

Chapter 14: 'In the Blink of an Eye'

1) Is the dream significant to what’s about to happen?

2) Ok, Olie surprised me! As Elaine said earlier, I should’ve known. Then Paul Bunyon (Hallbjorn) standing out there on the free floating ice..well that surprised me too. How about y’all, did you see this coming?

3) Olie admits he’d tried several times to kill Casey. When? How would Casey not have known this?

4) Have you seen the Northern Lights? I have not, but imagine if I ever get the chance, it will be one of those moments of grace for me.

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