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• Oh Lord, that picture is definitely worth a thousand words, all of them x-rated, I might add. I have to share a picture of my own. We've been watching 'The Wire' and are totally hooked. This season there's a new character- Tommy Carcetti, but the reason he totally arrests me is because he is so dang close to my mental image of Love Hagerty, and he plays a slick politician. I look him up and the actor is from Dublin. So for a visual of Love, here you go. (NT) -- celtgirl (), 22:25:43 07/25/09 Sat
  • I had pictured Love looking much older, maybe a little craggier (don't know why, just did). It's good to have a visual. And how fitting the actor is Irish! (NT) -- Carla, 07:39:21 07/26/09 Sun
    • Oh, he would be older, just this guy could be a younger version. Plus you would have to see him in action on 'The Wire'. (NT) -- celtgirl, 09:49:23 07/26/09 Sun
  • I can totally see this. I imagined him in 1970's attire, but the slickness is there. :-) And I have to admit to plotting on that picture up there... you know I wanted to get everyone's attention right away! haha! (NT) -- Lil, 09:41:21 07/26/09 Sun
    • Downright smarmy. It's the eyes. Can't trust 'em. (NT) -- Elaine, 10:43:13 07/26/09 Sun
  • What a great visual, Cindy. I see Love as slightly older and heavier, but that slick smile that doesn't reach the cold, calculating eyes....that's him. (NT) -- Sallie (), 12:46:48 07/26/09 Sun
    • Oh that's it Sallie - I agreed he looked slimy but couldnt' describe why - it's because the smile doesn't reach his eyes. As they say in my native language...Duh! *g* (NT) -- Mahri (), 16:38:16 07/26/09 Sun
• I love the beginning of this book, with Casey "marking his territory" so to speak ;) Through his conversations with the bartender and then the gull, we get some wonderful insights into what's happening with Casey, how he's feeling, what his troubles are. Adn that picture, oh my blessed God, it's just too much for words. As Cindy always says, he looks very post-coital and as if he could be coital at the drop of a hat (or his pants, as it were). My heart did break for Pamela and Casey when I read about their wee girl, so devastating to lose a child. (NT) -- Carla, 06:30:30 07/26/09 Sun
  • Oh, and I remember thinking if Casey is worried about what Love is up to he must indeed be up to some scary shite. After all, a man weaned on the IRA wouldn't be easily freaked, one would think. Although I suppose in this case his wife is tangled up in things, too. Okay, must stop stream of consciousness rambling and get ready for work. (NT) -- Carla, 07:40:51 07/26/09 Sun
    • I completely agree Carla. It would take a lot to unease Casey considering his background. (NT) -- CindyS, 08:03:03 07/26/09 Sun
• Christ, ya had to use that picture Lil? I can't even think straight now *g* This book started off with a bang didn't it? No build-up, no leisurely getting back into their lives...just BAM, you're sucked right in. I read the part about Deidre through a veil of tears, that was heartbreaking. The gull conversation made me giggle, I know it's a serious talk he's having with the bird but it's the way the man talks, I can't help myself - I don't think I could keep my hands off him if he were my husband *g* (NT) -- Mahri, 07:09:09 07/26/09 Sun
• Oh my that pic! Forget the caffeine..now that's the way to get the pulse jumping :) I do love how Pamela goes right to Casey and ignores the men at the bar. Sort of staking her claim as well. My heart ached for them over their daughter. They've been through so much already why can't they catch a break? I know...where's the drama in that. But one can hope. As for Love..I said it before I didn't trust that man as soon as he offered Casey a position in his "organization". (NT) -- CindyS, 08:42:08 07/26/09 Sun
• What a great way to start a book - loved this chapter. And here, dummy me, thinking the big threat to the Riordan's happiness would be Eliot. Naive, eh? The conversations with both the bartender and the gull were pure Casey. What really struck me about this chapter is that here was a setting where Casey felt completely out of his element, and yet Jamie would have fit right in. And Pamela is again the lynchpin ~ the butterfly who can float from elegant elitism to earthy homespun without hesitation. (NT) -- Elaine (), 10:46:00 07/26/09 Sun
  • I love that description, E. The butterfly who can float from elegant elitism to earthy homespun without hesitation. That's a lovely image. (NT) -- celtgirl, 13:09:59 07/26/09 Sun
• I love how this book starts out! I can just picture the look on the young guy's face when Pamela comes up to Casey and he realizes she belongs to him! (NT) -- Lisser, 11:44:15 07/26/09 Sun
• Oh Cindy....I have a ? It's at the end of yesterday's post. (NT) -- CindyS, 11:58:54 07/26/09 Sun
  • Thanks for letting me know, Cindy, I don't always remember to scroll down. I answered your questions, but as I said in the post, they aren't really hard and fast answers, but hopefully they clear things up a little. (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:30:27 07/26/09 Sun
• When Marilyn and I had coffee together on Friday, we talked about how this novel just grabs you from the start. I remember pouring a Diet Coke before sitting down for my first read. I was pulled so deeply into the story, my Diet Coke remained untouched. (NT) -- Sallie, 12:57:28 07/26/09 Sun
  • That makes me think of the day you e-mailed to let me know you'd gotten that early copy, the handbound one, and that you just knew that big box could only be one thing. Gosh, I was so excited to have you read it, but really nervous too. (NT) -- celtgirl, 13:13:58 07/26/09 Sun
• I tell you it's very bad the number of times I've come here today, to gaze/drool over Mr. Farrell in that suit. I need that picture on a t-shirt or sumpin'. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 17:12:38 07/26/09 Sun
  • I need that picture tattooed on the inside of my eyelids so I see him every time I blink. Oh, and on a pillowcase and the inside of a T-shirt so I can keep him close to my heart and . . . . Really just about every where would do although I'd get very little done in the course of a day as I'd be constantly drooling over the image. (NT) -- Carla, 17:33:33 07/26/09 Sun
• *THUD* (NT) -- Tracy, 18:57:25 07/26/09 Sun
• Oh, were there questions for today? Dayum that picture!! (NT) -- Tracy, 18:57:53 07/26/09 Sun
  • Yes, dayum that picture....I am way too distracted by that boy in that suit. It's maybe my fave picture of all time of him. (NT) -- celtgirl, 19:04:28 07/26/09 Sun
  • Haha! I didn't post any questions...the picture is just too distracting! (NT) -- Lil, 20:11:17 07/26/09 Sun

Last edited by author: Sat July 25, 2009 08:37:28   Edited 2 times.
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• Ah, Reverend, you stupid fool. Shouldn't a boxer like you recognize a little rope-a-dope when you see it?! Like Marilyn said, Jamie was just waiting for Broughton to reveal all, then go in for the almost-killshot, imo. When Pamela had those Arabic papers, I knew something was up, but never thought she was officially spying until now. Quite a surprise there! Yes, thank you, Cindy, for your fabulous books - can't wait for #3 to debut! (NT) -- Elaine, 08:28:28 07/25/09 Sat
• I was worried about Jamie, but boy was I near shouting when he started kicking Evil's ass!! That man deserved even more of a beating, but thankfully Jamie gave him what he got and that was good. The letter at the end was a complete surprise to me. I somehow didn't see any hints to it on the first read. This re-read I did pay closer attention to the Arabic letters as a clue, but boy did I miss it the first time. :-) I must have thought she was helping Jamie with something, not helping herself to information. Thank you, Cindy! This book is amazing and as Mahri said, I appreciate all that you went through to finally share it with the world. (NT) -- Lil, 08:35:16 07/25/09 Sat
• Pamela's letter revealed shocking information to me too! The Arabic poems were a puzzle, but I hadn't figured out their significance. I hated to see my Jamie being beaten so badly, I probably felt it would somehow work out, but after reading Mermaid I'm not taking anyone's health and happiness for granted! Thanks for your talents, Cindy! I'm anxiously awaiting book #3, and I'm not sure I can love Jamie any more than I do, but I'll try *g*. (NT) -- Denise, 09:56:39 07/25/09 Sat
• I too was horrified at the beating Jamie was taking, too, and given Cindy's propensity for bad things happening to good people, thought perhaps it was real. I was so relieved when he rose and beat the everliving shite out of that excuse for a human. I realised at that point he was waiting for a full disclosure from the Reverend. Pamela's letter to Jamie came as a complete shock to me, as well. I had no idea what was up with the Arabic papers, although I figured they had some connection to his Lordship. Masterfully done, Cindy, and like the other ladies I thank you from the bottom of my heart for persevering and writing such treasures for us to explore individually and as a group. See you all here tomorrow for the start of "Mermaid"! (NT) -- Carla, 13:03:53 07/25/09 Sat
  • I know I can be mean, but I'd never leave Jamie beaten like that at the end of a book. :) Thank you for all the kind words, you may not know it, but you all have become an important part of the process for me over these last few years, and certainly my perseverance owes a great deal to all the encouragement I receive here. (NT) -- celtgirl, 13:35:06 07/25/09 Sat
• Because it was too dang hot to move today, and everyone else was occupied, I ended up scrolling through the archives and read our last dicussion of Mermaid. Wow, we really delved deep in that discussion. I felt a little sad too, because Jane did a week and her commentaries run through part of the discussion, there was a comment from Vicki there at one point too, it made me realize how much has changed in our Patch over the last while. (NT) -- celtgirl, 18:34:27 07/25/09 Sat
  • In just a few months' time, a lot can change. I still can't believe they're both gone, and both so young. (NT) -- Elaine, 19:09:20 07/25/09 Sat
• I hated to see the book end but thank goodness Cindy didn't stop at just one! Yes, I agree I was absolutely terrified for Jamie and kept wondering why the heck he didn't get up and fight back - I didn't know there was a term for this. I cheered so loud when he finally got up and opened the can of whoop-arse on the Reverend - he did deserve it. I had no idea Pamela was spying and didn't connect the arabic papers to anything and couldn't figure out who she was spying for. What a letter! I am eager for Mermaid now and I think the trip to Ireland is putting a different spin on the re-read and discussion for me. I can't wait to get to Ireland and see the places and streets mentioned in the books. (NT) -- Tracy, 19:05:31 07/25/09 Sat
  • I'm sad that I'll not be there for the N. Ireland part of the trip because I know I'll be missing so much related to the books. But I am grateful to be able to see the countryside and a bit of Dublin! (NT) -- Lil, 19:46:08 07/25/09 Sat
    • Hopefully we'll be able to say 'Hi' in the airport, but that will be the extent of our overlap. We 'll both be wishing we could have joined the other part of the trip, but c'est la vie! (NT) -- Denise, 20:24:08 07/25/09 Sat
• Ladies you're not alone...I too was yelling at Jamie "get up already and plummet the B*!" Should have known better. >>> I went a bit long plus, Cindy I have some ?'s>>> -- CindyS, 08:26:22 07/26/09 Sun
  • Not sure if Jamie told Casey, actually- sometimes they let me in on things, and sometimes they don't, or they wait a long bloody time to tell me. Well, if Clann na Gael wanted her to do something that included seducing a man, they would wait until she was legal and old enough to be a temptation to a man like Jamie. They may have helped her out, but Pamela is fiercely independent too, so it's likely she would lie about her age and manage on her own- which is what she did with Hugh Mulligan- though I suspect he knew and kept an eye out for her anyway. I know these aren't hard and fast answers, but hopefully they clear things up a wee bit at least. (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:23:44 07/26/09 Sun

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• I think Casey had made up his mind after that time in the church. It didn't really matter what the coin said...it just gave Pamela a bit of excitement with it...like it was a fateful decision. I found that scene with him remembering that time with his Da so comforting and sweet. I just wanted to hug the man and tell him all would be okay. *g* (NT) -- Lil, 08:43:17 07/24/09 Fri
• Ohh Mahri, you quoted my absolute all-time favourite line! That's exactly how I feel about Jeet he's the defining moment. I get shivers and could cry just thinking about it so I can imagine Casey's feelings for Pamela when Brian tells him this. I'm not sure what the coin landed on. I think Casey would do anything to protect Pamela, keep her safe and keep them together so perhaps he had made up his mind before he flipped. I wonder if Casey told Cindy? (NT) -- Tracy, 09:46:42 07/24/09 Fri
  • No, Casey never told me either- but I know the boyo intended to take her home no matter the result on the coin- he felt it was the right thing to do for her. (NT) -- celtgirl, 10:05:17 07/24/09 Fri
    • That's where I can go THUD! Now this man Casey gets to me too and then I start thinking about Jamie or Casey and now I've decided odd days Jamie and even days with Casey! Aha that's the answer. :) (NT) -- Tracy, 12:28:17 07/24/09 Fri
      • ahh...a true diplomat (NT) -- CindyS, 16:27:19 07/24/09 Fri
        • Or is she just greedy? (NT) -- Carla, 07:39:25 07/25/09 Sat
• Cindy, have you seen a house or building in Ireland that would somewhat rememble Jamie's house? I know it's eclectic but just wondering. (NT) -- Tracy, 12:31:19 07/24/09 Fri
  • Not really, no, and there aren't even trees on the hill where I have his house located, so I really did make Jamie's house in my mind, as well as the land surrounding it. There are some gorgeous old Georgian homes though, that did inspire me in one of the very tony neighbourhoods in Belfast, called Knockdean. We went walking there one night and ended up having a smoke (well, I didn't smoke but Jeannine did- and I tell you smoking allows you alls sorts of social contact you can't comfortably get otherwise) with a group of butlers of all things. It was really funny. (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:36:25 07/24/09 Fri
    • I don't smoke but I completely understand how it can be an ice-breaker of sorts in a crowd or with just one or two other people that otherwise one might not talk with. Butlers?? I can't wait to hear that one. You know Cindy, you could write a book about your real-life adventures of writing a book. I'll put a down payment on the first printing. :) (NT) -- Tracy, 16:37:38 07/24/09 Fri
      • It's just that I will talk to anyone, anywhere anytime, I think maybe I have one of those sympathetic looking faces too, so people feel it's alright to tell me things. I don't know. My father says I have a face that says 'Trouble May Apply Here.' Of course he's basing this on the boys I dated during my teens. (NT) -- celtgirl (), 16:55:48 07/24/09 Fri
        • LOL. Maybe they are thinking who's the hottie with the wild red locks? I do think your face is inviting but not necessarily of trouble all the time -maybe approachableness. (NT) -- Tracy (), 18:54:04 07/24/09 Fri
          • Haha- I'm thinking the only ones thinking I'm a hottie these days are men with cataracts or chubby-chasers. :) My dad can be forgiven for thinking as he did, I shudder when I think about the boys I brought home- I'd be having nitfits if my daughters brought home anyone similar. I had a real good-girl/bad-boy dynamic going on there for a few years. (NT) -- celtgirl, 18:58:03 07/24/09 Fri
            • Funny how we mellow and change and then think the opposite for our children. You are a hottie girl - personality, body and mind! (NT) -- Tracy, 19:04:20 07/24/09 Fri
    • Yep, smoking was great for social situations, and it also used to help me think more clearly. Those days are sure gone now! (NT) -- Elaine, 19:54:39 07/24/09 Fri
      • This is my excuse for not quitting before Ireland - it will be the only thing that might distinguish me from the other Shammies should we run into a certain dark haired, dark eyed, Irish boyo, who evidently doesn't drink anymore..but still smokes. I'll have innocent reason to 'step outside' with the man - he'll never know I'm a stalker until it's too late :-) (NT) -- Mahri, 20:04:13 07/24/09 Fri
        • Woman, for that man I can pretend to smoke...haha!!! (NT) -- Lil, 22:25:37 07/24/09 Fri
• Alright, I'll post to Nalana's Question up here, so it doesn't get lost down below. Obviously I'll go long so come inside>>>> -- celtgirl, 16:02:23 07/24/09 Fri
  • I just had to add that Jamie has a gorgeous summer home in Maine, which owes quite a bit to pictures Shannon sent me of her uncle's home in Washington, saying she could really see Jamie there. So, if you're on the fence that might sway you. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 16:16:38 07/24/09 Fri
  • Fascinating. Ummm...can I keep at least a cheek on Casey's bench? :) I know we often talk about Casey and Jamie but it doesn't mean I forget about Pat - hope he isn't offended. I do think he's a great catch! (NT) -- Tracy, 16:35:09 07/24/09 Fri
    • Oh, and that comment about Marilyn and Jamie made me giggle out loud. Just the thought of it...can you imagine? (NT) -- Tracy (), 16:38:57 07/24/09 Fri
      • No, I absolutely cannot imagine it. (NT) -- celtgirl, 16:46:54 07/24/09 Fri
      • Marilyn and I were talking about this idea today. Inconceivable! ;) (NT) -- Sallie, 18:24:29 07/24/09 Fri
        • Hahahaaa! I was worried about her passing out and needing smelling salts. What would St. Glenn think then? :) (NT) -- Tracy, 18:46:46 07/24/09 Fri
          • I think I did almost choke on my coffee at the idea ;-) I was busted by my brother today, leisurely having coffee with Sallie in the afternoon - he comes up and says 'hmm so this is what you do with yourself during the day'. Embezzling from my husband to lunch and coffee with girlfriends. Maybe I should be more drawn to Jamie, the wealthy Lord *g* (NT) -- Mahri, 19:43:07 07/24/09 Fri
  • I've never felt the same affinity towards Casey, not really sure why since he exhibits some fantastic qualities, but if ever I was in Jamie's presence I'd be tongue-tied or a blethering idiot. That's why fantasy worlds are ideal, I can be who I want to be without realistic barriers! (NT) -- Denise, 16:35:12 07/24/09 Fri
  • Carla summed up my thoughts/feelings perfectly, below. I do love Jamie but he feels 'above me' not in a snooty/snobby way. I'm not highly educated (and though I've now said that twice here this week, I'm not self-concious about that anymore..I am what I am), I've never been wealthy and I wouldn't even know how to 'work' connections. I just don't relate. I'm more blue collar, laid back and down to earth. I relate to Casey, his upbringing, his working class attitude. And yes, if you would've answered this question with 'I really see Mahri with Jamie' I would've been like WTF?!? ;-) Now, ya had to throw Maine in the mix didn't ya - I'm thinking Jamie and I could be very good friends with that in common *g* (NT) -- Mahri, 16:47:32 07/24/09 Fri
    • OH - and the fact that Casey resembles CBF in coloring and looks (sorta) has nothing to do with my lust.....NOT *g* (NT) -- Mahri, 16:50:08 07/24/09 Fri
      • Education comes in many forms Mahri and I love you just the way you are girl - smart, beautiful, caring and funny! (NT) -- Tracy (), 18:50:39 07/24/09 Fri
        • I second what Tracy said so well. Education is way more than the years we spend in school. I think we've all met people who weren't that smart in ways outside of books, that had more than one degree under their belt. (NT) -- celtgirl (), 18:56:22 07/24/09 Fri
          • Mwaahhs U2! I know I'm not stupid and I usually only mention the education thing in joking, but I know I don't structure sentences correctly and I use 'back of the class' grammar (Hi Noelle) and it seems that should be important sometimes *g* (NT) -- Mahri, 19:46:05 07/24/09 Fri
            • I think you be one of the charmingest, most funniest, smart and sassy women I know *g*....so keep it up! I have worked hard for my degrees, but I did them for myself and not to impress others. I quite honestly could be a career student I love school that much...which makes me a complete nut! :-) I figure the school of hard knocks can teach you as much if not more about life than any dern edumucation can. :-) And with both, you only learn by paying attention, which I think you have done and now your daughters are learning from their mom how to be wonderfully independent women. So kudos to you my friend! (NT) -- Lil, 22:24:16 07/24/09 Fri
          • You know, Mahri, I'm afraid I know an awful lot of people who have multiple degrees but no damned sense whatsoever. I often sell myself short, too, and both you and I need to stop that. You're one smart cookie, my friend. Don't ever doubt it. (NT) -- Elaine, 20:02:32 07/24/09 Fri
  • I think because we aside from rare glimpses we mostly see Pat through Casey's eyes, I tend to think of him as "the little brother" and so off the sexual radar for me, so to speak. In real life, his type is probably the type I'd go for -- not intimidating, smart -- both on the street and in books, not involved in violent activities (well, except when he's attacked or provoked) and just easy to talk with. I'm sure this is an over-simplification of Pat and I do hope he chats a little more with Cindy so we can learn more about his first hand. (NT) -- Carla, 17:57:15 07/24/09 Fri
    • None of them are on my radar sexually speaking, I think that would feel like incest or something after all these years. These people have become family in a way- just imaginary family. As to writing about Pat, I haven't got much written this summer, but everything I have has been scenes with Pat. (NT) -- celtgirl, 18:01:46 07/24/09 Fri
  • Well, I love Casey's earthy, honest nature, but I think I could hold my own with His Lordship, especially in the area of politics. Slippery, eh? Cindy, I need to take you aside and tell you about at least one negative impact of post-menopausal women. Hint: we clip coupons for Astro Glide. ;-) (NT) -- Elaine, 19:59:34 07/24/09 Fri
    • And the crown of the Queen of Bawd is, of course, still and always, yours. I bow to your supremacy. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 20:06:53 07/24/09 Fri
      • I'd like to thank the Academy for this award. And I mustn't forget all the little people, upon whose backs I stepped as I climbed my ladder of bawdy success. (NT) -- Elaine, 21:25:54 07/24/09 Fri
        • LOL!!! (NT) -- Lil, 22:18:28 07/24/09 Fri
  • I think you are spot on for me, although there are some parts of Jamie I find attractive. at the end of the day, though, I'm married to someone more like Casey and very happy. :-) (NT) -- Lil, 20:36:34 07/24/09 Fri
    • Oh there's no doubt that Jamie is physically stunning, charming, witty, intelligent, perceptive and all sorts of other wonderful things and I'm sure he'd make my knees weak in person. But just as it's hard to pinpoint what makes somebody just "right" for you, Casey just feels "right" to me. (NT) -- Carla, 07:43:51 07/25/09 Sat
      • I know. I am wondering how we are all going to feel about Jamie when we get book #3. Sounds like we are really going to get a good view of his life....maybe we'll like him more? or less? I hope not the latter....I still want to fantasize about sitting on his lap in the study. LOL! (NT) -- Lil, 08:37:42 07/25/09 Sat
        • You will like him more, I guarantee it. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 09:38:16 07/25/09 Sat
          • *THUD* (NT) -- Tracy, 18:59:33 07/25/09 Sat
• First I want to say that the memory b/w Casey & Brian was so moving and so perfectly written. I think after that it was pretty obvious what Casey was going to do. As for the coin- it didn't really matter the choice was already made -- CindyS, 16:42:24 07/24/09 Fri
  • Cindy- I am going to assume you'd tip toward the Riordan side, being that you share a family name with those boys. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 17:13:34 07/24/09 Fri

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• Those pictures are gorgeous, Miss Mahri. I really wanted a slightly enchanted feel to the night as they go out into it, because in some ways it's the beginning of a new life for them. (NT) -- celtgirl, 13:16:51 07/23/09 Thu
  • Well you accomplished that feel for me girl - I thought the second picture was perfect, but damn then I found the first one and it spoke to me as well. :-) (NT) -- Mahri, 14:49:12 07/23/09 Thu
• Ohhh Mahri, these pictures are perfect and I can just see Pamela and Casey sitting right at the edge with the moon hanging over them and the fireflies dancing around their heads. Sometimes I forget how old Jamie is and I think of him as kind of a father figure with how he watches over and watches out for the Riordans. Cindy, how old is Jamie compared to Casey. I could be totally wrong with that but it just reminded me of that image when I read "Jamie has a house full". (NT) -- Tracy, 16:03:27 07/23/09 Thu
  • Jamie is 32, Casey is 24 at this point. So more older brother, rather than a father figure. (NT) -- celtgirl, 16:09:22 07/23/09 Thu
    • Jamie is the 'hot' older brother - amongst other things, like witty, brilliant .....and filled with angst. (NT) -- Denise, 16:44:40 07/23/09 Thu
      • Yes, older brother is more appropriate. Jamies just seems so mature and older maybe because of everything he has had to deal with and is dealing with now. I can't imagine being that brave or intelligent at 32 to do and think like he does. That's part of the reason why I adore him so. Oh yea, and he is hot! Casey is too mind you. Ahhhh, how to choose? (NT) -- Tracy, 17:14:32 07/23/09 Thu
        • With the irresistible twinkle in his eyes 'Eh Seamus, what kind of odds would ye put on a certain priest gettin' himself defrocked tonight?' No way would I bet against that happening - and that's how I chose. I just knew he was gonna be my kind of guy - impersonating a priest singing 'There was a young lady from Derry' *g* (NT) -- Mahri, 17:37:18 07/23/09 Thu
          • You know I get letters from alot of different people, and even people here in town who read it (well women) will come up and say 'I'm a Casey girl, or I'm a Jamie girl'. It's funny that it's become this thing- I'm wondering after Tracy's question and what Mahri posted- when/how did you know which man was for you? (NT) -- celtgirl, 17:53:49 07/23/09 Thu
            • "defrocked" I love the sound of that word! I think I might use it tonight :) (NT) -- Tracy, 18:07:33 07/23/09 Thu
            • Jamie just seems, to be, so above it all, so intelligent, wealthy, well-born and well-connected that he's too out-of-reach. While I know he's passionate and feels deeply, he just feels too removed somehow for me; I can't imagine a man like that for me. Casey, while just as intelligent, fierce and sometimes intimidating just feels more of this world to me, more accessible, more knowable. I may be fooling myself, but that's how I see him. And I also have a thing for dark-haired boyos over the fair-haired ones ;) (NT) -- Carla, 18:11:40 07/23/09 Thu
            • It has nothing to do with hair colour, or looks (though both fellas have that in order), I was drawn to Jamie from the start, intrigued in the first chapter and loving him all the more as things fell apart between him and Pamela. I wanted to substitute my love for all the others who had wronged him in some way. Casey always seemed too dangerous, though to think Jamie is any safer is a misconception, but that's how it does appear. Sometimes you love who you love, and there's no reasoning it out, the feelings are just there - bare and heartfelt. (NT) -- Denise, 19:19:32 07/23/09 Thu
              • I wasn't sure how to answer this question, but I think Denise has done much of it for me, and Tracy as well. (NT) -- PeggyB, 21:14:09 07/24/09 Fri
            • It was Jamie first for me and I think it was almost immediately. There was just something about him, the mystery, the intelligence and the eyes that got me hooked. I just love him! I wish I could express myself better though because he is deserving of a much better explanation than the one I just gave. Maybe there are no words for James Kirkpatrick! (NT) -- Tracy, 05:53:07 07/24/09 Fri
            • It may sound shallow. But Jamie is attractive, well off, has a business, can be dressed up and taken out in public. He has just enough wildchild in him to make him exciting too. At this point in my life that is what I look for in a man. In my youger years Casey may have been more attractive to me, but not anymore. I don't have time for boys and their crap anymore *G*. Jamie is the kind of guy I am dying to meet. Can you hook me up Cindy? (NT) -- Cherie (), 07:48:31 07/24/09 Fri
              • I will see what I can do, Cherie. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:22:20 07/24/09 Fri
                • Ahem....after I'm finished of course. My arse is at the head of the bench considering I'm Tracy Kirkpatrick :) (NT) -- Tracy Kirkpatrick of James Kirkpatrick, 12:29:36 07/24/09 Fri
            • I have the hardest time choosing! Please don't make me! *g* I think I like Casey's charm, size (*ahem*) and looks. He's strong and after the scene where they are kidnapped and trying to escape, I find his self preservation abilities VERY sexy (this is one of the things I love about my DH, I know he can take care of himself and us if there's an emergency). But there is something about Jamie that feeds my intellectual side. I can also see myself propped on his lap in that library reading and necking and giggling. *g* And then we can't forget lil bro, Pat. He's a nice combo of Casey and Jamie and hot to boot! *g* I want to ask Cindy, knowing what you know about me (and the other Shammies) and your two main men, who do you think we'd be a good match for? (she says, evily turning the tables...mwahahaha) (NT) -- Lil, 08:41:25 07/24/09 Fri
              • OH good question ;-) I would add And Why? *g* (NT) -- Mahri (), 08:58:17 07/24/09 Fri
              • I like that question, too. ;) Cindy? (NT) -- Sallie, 09:42:42 07/24/09 Fri
              • Nice one! (NT) -- Tracy, 09:47:32 07/24/09 Fri
              • I'm going to have to give that a mull whilst I serve my time on the elliptical this morning. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 10:06:26 07/24/09 Fri
              • I have to say that study seems to fuel alot of fantasy, I'm glad it's such a happy place for so many of you. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:27:03 07/24/09 Fri
              • That must be Dr. Evil's laughter in the background. (NT) -- Elaine, 13:27:00 07/24/09 Fri
            • I like them both, each for a variety of reasons. And I'd like them both at one time, please. Don't worry, I can handle them both quite competently. (NT) -- Elaine, 13:11:45 07/24/09 Fri
              • Greedy wench!! (NT) -- Denise, 16:36:52 07/24/09 Fri
            • Oh can I play, too? There's no question I am a Jamie girl because... well... it just seems only natural. I liked him very much at "my kingdom for a button" and totally fell for him when he held his son and said goodbye. All the rest is just bonus material. ;) (NT) -- Shanarama, 23:57:46 07/24/09 Fri
• Silly question - are there mosquitoes in Ireland, or other biting, nasty, little buggers? Practical me can't help but think of the wildlife when naked in the grass *g*. (NT) -- Denise, 16:46:41 07/23/09 Thu
  • Well, it's autumn so I'm thinking most of the bugs are gone- the only time I've run into bugs really was on Dun Aengus, there were loads of midges up there in the evening. Well, there were those jumping spiders too, right E.? (NT) -- celtgirl (), 17:01:55 07/23/09 Thu
    • Oh yes, jumping spiders will be around. Mosquitos, no, not that I recall. Midges, probably not, either - I think it will be the wrong season. (NT) -- Elaine, 17:35:58 07/23/09 Thu

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• Liek I said yesterday THANK GOODNESS for this chapter especially the first line! What an ugly cry I had the previous page and then later on i was giggling with glee when Pat kissed Sylvie. What a roller coaster Cindy! (NT) -- Tracy, 09:46:47 07/23/09 Thu
  • And I'll brush up on my spelling for the next chapter discussion! (NT) -- Trac, 09:49:11 07/23/09 Thu
  • Yes, this chapter provided a LOT of relief! (NT) -- Elaine, 10:25:17 07/23/09 Thu
• I was so thankful that the Constable was dead and that Pat kissed Sylvie...loved that whole scene! I was surprised to see the Duke and Mr. Evil working together. I am not sure if this is right, but I got the feeling that the Duke was using Evil to get Jamie to run for office and once that was accomplished he was going to eliminate him (Evil) from the process (and the earth apparently). Too bad he didn't succeed on that last part and had to die instead. Of course I'm only guessing on the scheme between them. (NT) -- Lil, 10:28:33 07/23/09 Thu
  • I was scared that they had figured out what Jamie was doing behind the scenes and I got itchy-nervous with that cup of wine. (NT) -- Tracy, 10:34:09 07/23/09 Thu
• Mahri about what burns your arse.... I agree and the statement about "800 years" it was time to fight back - can you blame them? No. I do think that any side could make up just about any excuse to imprison their enemy regardless of whether it makes sense. It's infurriating really. (NT) -- Tracy, 10:36:41 07/23/09 Thu
• I remember when I was writing the bit with Casey telling Pat to just give over and kiss the girl, that I was thinking 'geez for a man who was never going to marry, he's a wee bit pushy now that he has a woman of his own.' Really, I don't write his dialogue, I merely take dictation. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 11:25:34 07/23/09 Thu
• "She'd known trouble was inevitable, the streets had smelled of it for days. A sharp, rank scent like an animal soaked in its own fear." Really enjoyed that imagery! (NT) -- Denise, 11:38:25 07/23/09 Thu

Last edited by author: Wed July 22, 2009 09:22:08   Edited 1 time.
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• Yes, the pictures do tell it all and it's a very sad story. I've never been able to wrap my head around the hatred people feel for others whose religion is different from theirs. Holy wars - how can anything be holy about killing another human being? (NT) -- Denise, 10:34:48 07/22/09 Wed
• Devastating pictures and they speak volumes really. (NT) -- Tracy, 11:27:21 07/22/09 Wed
  • I'm intrigued by the pictures I'm seeing during this re-read and would like to see the streets and sights in Belfast on the tour. (NT) -- Tracy, 11:42:23 07/22/09 Wed
    • Belfast is pretty quiet these days, other than the Marching days in July- and the occasional murder, etc. It's actually a 'small' city, but the architecture is lovely- lots of Georgian brick. I don't know how much we'll see on the bus tour, the one bus tour I did there whipped through the neighbourhoods that I wanted to see so quick, that we didn't even get photo ops. However, things are a lot quieter than that time so it's possible they will be more flexible. Part of the reason I'm taking the two days upfront in Belfast is that I want to make sure I visit the places that are relevant to the books. (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:21:52 07/22/09 Wed
      • I originally wrote that I was looking forward to seeing the streets of Belfast but 'looking forward to' didn't sound appropriate especially linked with this chapter and all the heartache and bloodshed. You know what I mean though? Just to be on the streets and feel and think about what Casey et al went through would just bring things to life for me in a different way. (NT) -- Tracy, 16:45:45 07/22/09 Wed
        • I have a journal entry from my last trip to Belfast, Tracy that is all about walking with Casey that day- I swear I felt like the boyo was with me all that day, I really inhabited his world even if we were thirty years apart in time. (NT) -- celtgirl, 18:39:29 07/22/09 Wed
          • Wow! That's the kind of thing that I want to experience but I dont think it would be on the same level as you of course but just to "feel" things is one of those experiences in life that I love to have. (NT) -- Tracy, 09:48:39 07/23/09 Thu
      • I hope those 2 days will be very fulfilling for you, Cindy. I'm really glad you are able to do that. (NT) -- Elaine, 18:57:39 07/22/09 Wed
• "The city was a stick of dynamite" sent shivers thorough me and I still read this chapter with my mouth wide open in disbelief and horror at the fighting, nevermind the ugly cry I had at the end of the chapter! Thank goodness for page 456 or else I dont know what I would have done. One moment I thought was touching was when Casey knelt over Liam's body and said the prayer. In all that chaos, it was important to do and that meant something to me. (NT) -- Tracy, 11:40:40 07/22/09 Wed
  • That one (Casey w/ Liam) and Father Terry & Patrick singing The Black Velvet Band to Finn..was it?, I get a tear in my eye every time I read it. (NT) -- Mahri, 12:34:48 07/22/09 Wed
    • both of those parts were so the ugly cry moment! (NT) -- Lil, 15:49:14 07/22/09 Wed
    • That's such a heartbreaking moment to me for so many reasons. Aside from the obvious ones, my dad sings this song all the time so it really resonated with me. It's such a poignant song, too, all about being drawn in by beauty and betrayed by it in the end. Cindy, did you deliberately pick that song because of the theme of betrayal and appearances being deceiving or is it simply one you love? (NT) -- Carla, 18:45:02 07/22/09 Wed
      • I actually picked it because it was one my grandma used to sing to me when I was little, and so it's always had a special place in my heart. Also because the woman in the song, as I understand it, was sometimes Belfast itself. (NT) -- celtgirl, 18:50:04 07/22/09 Wed
• This is truly an emotional chapter for all parties. I felt that Fr. Terry came out of some need to be there for Brian & Brendan's family. (NT) -- CindyS, 21:42:35 07/22/09 Wed

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• Oh shoot! I wanted to include and forgot, the part in Chapter 34 about Eamonn - telling his whole story about his time with Michael Collins and finally grieving for it. Another Jack Stuart poem and Matty saying 'For as long as Jack Stuart holds a pen, there is one left among us.' Does it always take both, do ya think, the words and the physical acts to make change? Can it happen with only one? (NT) -- Mahri, 07:09:57 07/21/09 Tue
  • That scene brought tears to my eyes. The man was so distraught. As for your question, I think it indeed takes both to make change. The words inspire the actions, IMO. And then the actions inspire the words...they are hand in hand in change. (NT) -- Lil, 12:36:36 07/21/09 Tue
    • I totally agree, Nalana, I think it takes both to effect real change, people need the inspiration in order to take action. (NT) -- celtgirl, 13:20:34 07/21/09 Tue
• On my first reading of Ch. 35, I will admit I didn't really like Casey here. I thought I'd had him figured out, but in this chapter he threw me. Maybe his role with the IRA has contributed to a heightened sense of mistrust? (NT) -- Elaine, 09:17:59 07/21/09 Tue
• To answer the question about whether Casey trusts her or not- I think he does here, but he's young, he's in love and he's jealous and he isn't always rational when it comes to she and Jamie. (NT) -- celtgirl, 10:26:02 07/21/09 Tue
• I could read a whole book with just Jamie and Casey on the page. *g* This is a great chapter and I enjoyed seeing Jamie "in character". I also liked that Pamela sent them to sleep together...that was just hilarious! (NT) -- Lil, 12:38:41 07/21/09 Tue
  • Well, I kind of think I need to write another scene with the two of them so they can call each other 'Rich Bastard and Fenian Bastard' at some point. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:45:00 07/21/09 Tue
    • I think that would be fantastic! *g* (NT) -- Lil, 17:58:04 07/21/09 Tue
• I must admit, I thought Lutie was Casey at first; I wasn't expecting his Lordship to be able to play such a part so effectively. I loved it, of course! (NT) -- Denise, 12:56:42 07/21/09 Tue
• BTW- the Lutie O'Toole/Father Bunrattey chapter almost didn't make it into the book, I was going to write something different, because I was worried it was going to be 'too out there' for readers, but in the end I couldn't part with it. (NT) -- celtgirl, 15:44:40 07/21/09 Tue
  • Thank goodness! Nothing is to way out there for us. (NT) -- Tracy, 16:02:30 07/21/09 Tue
  • You knew our likes before you'd even met us! How clairvoyant of you! (NT) -- Denise, 21:13:16 07/21/09 Tue
• Well I have to confess that yesterday's & todays chapters with Jamie & Casey are probably my favorites. There's an obvious aprehension b/w them that's blanketed with mutual respect. Does Casey know that Jamie is the Blue Angel? (NT) -- CindyS, 21:31:28 07/22/09 Wed
  • He does indeed, Cindy, which is why he brings up the Scarlet Pimpernel, etc. letting Jamie know he's aware of his other personas. (NT) -- celtgirl, 22:02:22 07/22/09 Wed

Last edited by author: Mon July 20, 2009 09:00:16   Edited 1 time.
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• I'm off to the post office, but I had to post quickly to say that the pic up there is exactly how I imagined the place they were kept. Good call, Mahri!! *g* (NT) -- Lil, 09:44:07 07/20/09 Mon
  • I'll second that - it's just as I imagined it, Marilyn! (NT) -- Elaine, 11:48:55 07/20/09 Mon
• I'm right there with you, the banter between Casey and Jamie is always a high point in the books for me. How can one not enjoy the interaction between two characters we love so much? The undercurrents of the third person in the form of Pamela, are always there and create that intense love triangle that I crave, yet infuriates me at the same time! (NT) -- Denise, 10:17:17 07/20/09 Mon
• For all the uncertainty and danger, I love this chapter. I think it was good for Casey and Jamie to truly spend some time together and learn a little more about each other besides the stereotypes of Rich Bastard and Fenian Bastard :) I thought it very telling that both men revealed a little of their hearts and souls to each other. I LOVE Nora, as well. She is the epitome of the strong, capable, unflappable woman who is as tough as nails but with a soft heart under it all. I felt she "couldn't" read Casey's tea leaves as she didn't want to reveal what she'd seen in them. I think Casey believed the same thing, that she'd seen an early and violent death for him and simply didn't want to say it out loud. Given what we know of Casey's future, what do you think she saw? (NT) -- Carla, 11:16:44 07/20/09 Mon
  • In this case, I think no news is probably bad news, so Nora held back on commenting on Casey's future. (NT) -- Denise, 12:18:05 07/20/09 Mon
    • I was just wondering if she saw his time on the prison ship, the loss of their first babe, his time in the U.S., etc. We do know that while Casey & Pamela have some heartbreak and really tough times, they also have some good, so why wouldn't she have mentioned that? She told Jamie there was heartbreak but happiness in the end. Or did she see something in Casey's future that has yet to be revealed to us? (NT) -- Carla, 13:02:58 07/20/09 Mon
      • I was wondering if she actually read them or did she not want to, afraid of what she'd see. We know she took his cup but she then rubbed her eyes and said she was too tired - so I just wondered if she actually saw anything at all. I think mostly I don't want there to be any 'fatal' foreshadowing where Casey is concerned *g* (NT) -- Mahri, 13:13:57 07/20/09 Mon
        • Sometimes I think I will just write two separate endings, and the Casey girls will have to get the green book and the Jamie girls will have to get the gold book- or whatever colour Leprechauns in a Barrel of Whiskey turns out to be. :) (and yes, I am joking about that final title, but it's how my friend Rhonda and I refer to the 'last book'.) (NT) -- celtgirl, 14:52:46 07/20/09 Mon
          • I like that idea of two endings! Hey, that title has a ring to it :) (NT) -- Tracy, 16:23:58 07/20/09 Mon
      • I know a certain person who is qualified to answer that question, but know she won't! (NT) -- Denise, 13:14:18 07/20/09 Mon
        • No, she won't- to be honest Mr. Riordan dictates his own storyline and I never know which twists and turns the boyo will choose to take, so I don't make too many hard and fast decisions about his storyline. (NT) -- celtgirl, 14:47:17 07/20/09 Mon
  • LOL- 'Rich bastard and Fenian Bastard'- I may have to use those terms. (NT) -- celtgirl, 16:14:06 07/20/09 Mon
    • I could just picture Jamie and Casey muttering such insults almost as compliments about each other. It really is a delicate balance between them, with Pamela on a point in between and their feelings for her (and hers for them) colouring all their interactions. (NT) -- Carla, 19:53:35 07/20/09 Mon
• CINDY I have a few simple questions regarding the last few chapters and was hoping for a wee response. The poem about Maude - is that from Yeats, or written by Jamie, or just something fitting you added to conclude the chapter? I always knew of Jamie's love of poetry, but only recently made the connection to Jack Stuart, so now I'm looking at certain things in a different light. (Was the identity of Jack Stuart revealed in past EU discussions - I don't recall?) Also, and this is silly, but would Nurse Browning have come by her name out of respect for a certain skater we both admire? (NT) -- Denise, 13:12:53 07/20/09 Mon
  • Do you mean the poem Losing Maude, Denise? Because I wrote that myself, so I guess we could attribute it to Jack Stuart- it was just something I had in my head that I wanted to put in the book- well, actually parts of the chapter grew out of the poem, rather than the reverse- and it could have been something running through Jamie's head post-abortion. I hope that's the poem you were asking me about. As to Nurse Browning, alas, dear Kurt did not cross my mind during her naming. :) And yes, Jack Stuart's real identity has come up in previous discussions. (NT) -- celtgirl, 14:46:08 07/20/09 Mon
    • Yes, of course that's the poem. It always amazes me how a writer has the storyline told to him or her in unusual ways. I simply can't recall the business about Jack Stuart being Jamie, which is scaring me coz I know I'm becoming more forgetful, but this is a rather important detail to have erased from one's mind! Very scary! I could maybe claim it was the first discussion which I only eavesdropped on occasion, but still.... (NT) -- Denise, 16:16:12 07/20/09 Mon
• I absolutely thorougly enjoyed the conversations between Jamie and Casey in this chapter in particular. It's one that I re-read often. I'm not sure what it is about it but it's just 'nice' to see them together united in something and on friendly terms and it seeming to enjoy each other's company. (NT) -- Tracy, 16:25:52 07/20/09 Mon
  • Dreen often says that some of her favourite bits are when Casey and Jamie are in a scene together- even when they are furious with one another, I think they have an honesty together that is refreshing to them both- under different circumstances they might have made good friends. Really, in my mind I do think of them as friends, despite the love triangle. (NT) -- celtgirl, 16:34:14 07/20/09 Mon
    • Love triangle? I never picked up on that. (NT) -- Elaine, 16:38:35 07/20/09 Mon
      • Just referring to the fact that Casey knows his wife and Jamie have very strong feelings for one another. I do think of them as a triangle, I can't really separate one man out from the tangle of emotions that exist in various ways between these three people. Not to say that might not change as the story rolls on. (NT) -- celtgirl, 16:41:26 07/20/09 Mon
        • Cindy, you silly girl, I was being facetious! I should have put a little ;-) at the end. (NT) -- Elaine, 17:30:10 07/20/09 Mon
          • Sorry, I am not quick on the uptake today- I'm going through some odd cycle of insomnia and it's making me rather stupid in daylight hours. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 17:35:27 07/20/09 Mon
            • You're not stupid! And please, no apology. I can truly appreciate the effects of insomnia. If only I had put that little wink at the end of my post. (NT) -- Elaine, 18:10:12 07/20/09 Mon

Last edited by author: Sun July 19, 2009 08:21:27   Edited 1 time.
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• I think if I would have been in Pamela's shoes I would have given Jamie the ol' F-You. He had his chance and he didn't take it. He had MANY chances, but didn't take them. To suddenly come clean about how he feels now that's she's unavailable is such crap. I love Jamie, but this particular situation upsets me. I am at least happy to hear he's back in the running for the political job. Lucien has to be stopped. (NT) -- Lil, 09:30:34 07/19/09 Sun
  • I want to apologize if this post seemed rather harsh. I have been in a situation similiar to this and it was so upsetting and painful. I really do love Jamie and I know that he's tortured himself over this whole situation. He loves her, but I think sabotaged himself. I didn't mean to be so crass, see what happens when I post too early in the day? *g* (NT) -- Lil, 22:04:24 07/19/09 Sun
• I loved the scene with them in the water too, Mahri. The whole duck thing made me laugh out loud. (NT) -- Lil, 09:31:52 07/19/09 Sun
• Somehow, and don't ask me to fully explain it, I feel as though Jamie subconsciously sabotaged himself where Pamela is concerned. He was dragging his feet all that time she was living with Casey. Technically he didn't require a formal divorce, but he must have felt a strong need for it. I think Pamela is right when she alludes to his still being linked to Colleen despite his actions here. I wavered between pitying him in this chapter and wanting to reach out and smack him. I suppose he's entitled to a little self-indulgence once in awhile. He might seem like a machine at times, but he's only a man. The water/weapons scene was great. Those touches of humor during tension make the characters all the more real to me. (NT) -- Elaine, 10:03:50 07/19/09 Sun
  • That's what this scene is partly- he's jealous, his feelings aren't necessarily proper or acceptable, but they're there and he's feeling a welter of things and slinging it at Pamela. Who is one of very few people he feels comfortable enough to be this human with. (NT) -- celtgirl, 10:21:58 07/19/09 Sun
• I don't know as Jamie really does love her. I think it's more a bit of the "black dog" setting in - realizing that he let a good thing get away and he's just lashing out at Pamela b/c he's angry & frustrated with himself. As for the divorce >>>(spoiler inside)>>> -- CindyS, 10:46:05 07/19/09 Sun
• Marilyn, did you take these photos? They're really lovely. (NT) -- Elaine, 11:00:27 07/19/09 Sun
  • Oh I wish Elaine!! I have been seriously neglectful to my camera these days - haven't played for so long I might have to review my class materials *g* (NT) -- Mahri, 11:45:35 07/19/09 Sun
    • I haven't either. Just some snapshots, nothing creative. Ireland might help revive our creative energies. (NT) -- Elaine, 13:55:55 07/19/09 Sun
• OT - Sad news. Frank McCourt has passed away. Click. (NT) -- Elaine, 18:54:09 07/19/09 Sun
• If Pamela hadn't married Casey I don't think Jamie would have ever admitted to loving her, and he certainly wouldn't have done so if he'd been sober. Was it fair of him to tell her and behave in such a way? No. But it was certainly human. (NT) -- Carla, 20:05:01 07/19/09 Sun
• I loved the humour to break the tension of the gun-running chapter, although I was left with a very unsettled feeling. I think someone besides the ducks were watching Seamus and Casey. And yes, Casey nude is a THUD moment ;) (NT) -- Carla, 20:06:04 07/19/09 Sun

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• How did my reply get up there? Sorry! (NT) -- Tracy (), 09:13:52 07/18/09 Sat
• Elaine, I've spend the last hour on Wiki looking up each of the organizations you mentioned there so I could get a feel for what there history is...that's how much I knew about them. *g* Went long>>> -- Lil, 11:23:16 07/18/09 Sat
  • Historically speaking, the British gov't. had such a bad track record when they dealt with the Irish, that there really wasn't any other way for them to feel. During the Famine they were quite happy to let the Irish starve to death, with one parliamentarian even stating that the Famine was God's answer to the 'Irish question'. I look at the situation with the PLO and think 'well, how would we feel if our country was taken over by a foreign power and then all our land was parcelled out to other people?' I don't agree with the tactics used by most of these organizations, but I guess I'm not sure what the alternatives are either. (NT) -- celtgirl, 11:48:26 07/18/09 Sat
  • Haha! My age is showing, Nalana. (NT) -- Elaine, 12:06:09 07/18/09 Sat
• Q2) I was not happy that Jimmy left that meeting. He was not someone that could be trusted and you could tell that he didn't like the way things were going with the new IRA leadership. (NT) -- Lil, 11:23:38 07/18/09 Sat
• It's such a complicated issue, really. One man's terrorist is another's freedom fighter. Certainly the Americans who fought for independence were viewed as traitors and rebels by the powers that be at the time. If the war had gone the other way the soldiers and leaders now recognized as national heroes in the U.S. would have been vilified. After reading Cindy's books and "Trinity" by Leon Uris I have a better understanding of why the I.R.A. was formed and why they felt it was necessary to take violent action to make their point and win their freedom. I do, however, believe that any group crosses the line when it attacks civilian targets -- and that includes the official military as well as groups such as the I.R.A., the U.V.F., Hamas, Al Qaeda, etc. The British government and press made it seem as if the I.R.A. were the only villians in the picture, not talking about the atrocities carried out by the R.U.C, U.V.F. and other Protestant paramilitary groups. (NT) -- Carla, 16:43:32 07/18/09 Sat
  • I agree with you Carla - you put my thoughts into words so much better than I could've :-) (NT) -- Mahri, 08:58:10 07/19/09 Sun
• I had concerns about Jimmy Mack from the second he walked in the room. Casey distrusted him from the get-go and I'm inclined to trust Casey's judgement when it comes to such things. (NT) -- Carla, 16:45:06 07/18/09 Sat
  • And I have to ditto you again - because there was tension from the get go, and Casey wasn't happy with him..I felt like Jimmy was trouble. When he left I had a sinking feeling we were gonna see him again and not in a good way. (NT) -- Mahri, 09:00:28 07/19/09 Sun

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• I still love Peg (didn't post yesterday, but I truly love her uniqueness). I think her attraction to two Riordan men shows you the natural charm and charisma that oozes out of them. Of course I know much of what happened between them both (IMO) was related to missing Brendan and needing some sort of different connection to him. They were both grieving. I think Brian fell for Peg because he could see all the things his father loved about her, but at the end it seemed almost as if Brendan had "possessed" his body - and he didn't have a choice. (NT) -- LIl, 08:30:49 07/17/09 Fri
• I do hope one day we get to read Brendan's story (hint, hint). I respect Peg for admitting that she should have given and been more for Arthur and for not wanting to hurt Fr. Terence with the truth about Brian. I don't know as it was truly Brian that night and how could she resist what she has dreamed of for years - having Brendan back, if even for a moment, not matter what the form. As for Siddy...well I may be alone on this one but I think they're better apart. Neither will ever be able to love the other the way they truly need and deserve. (NT) -- CindyS, 15:36:32 07/17/09 Fri
  • Yes, I'd love to learn more about both Brendan and Brian sometime in the future. (NT) -- Elaine, 15:50:53 07/17/09 Fri
• OT regarding Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes and other books. Read in the paper today that he is in hospice care and is not expected to live. He recently contracted meningitis. He's 78 I believe. I don't know any more than that. (NT) -- Elaine, 15:50:04 07/17/09 Fri
  • Oh no, I am so sad to hear this, his books are so wonderful. (NT) -- celtgirl, 15:56:19 07/17/09 Fri
  • I read that he was battling cancer and then the meningitis came on top of it and it was just too much. (NT) -- Carla, 16:36:43 07/17/09 Fri
    • See, you know more than I do. They just had a little paragraph in the paper. What a shame. I really, thoroughly enjoy his writing. (NT) -- Elaine, 16:52:17 07/17/09 Fri
  • oh that's terrible. Angela's Ashes was the only Irish book I read before EU. I absolutley love his writing. He will be missed! (NT) -- Lil, 17:22:10 07/17/09 Fri
• I don't think my opinion of Peg or Brian has changed. I think Peg learned from what she did and truly did try to make amends to Arthur for what had happened. I do think, too, that in the heat of the moment people do things they would not have under different circumstances. Peg had spent all her life unable to get over Brendan and was now faced with a man who not only reminded her of him, but talked about him and the fact that Brendan had held a torch for Peg despite marrying elsewhere. (NT) -- Carla, 18:08:10 07/17/09 Fri
• Oh, and on the Siddy issue. I think some people truly are better off apart. Siddy and Peg had no connection from the beginning, so there was really no relationship for them to try and heal. They would both have simply brought stress and anger into each other's lives, so are better off with little or no contact. (NT) -- Carla, 18:09:52 07/17/09 Fri
• Nope, my opinion didn't change - I like her a lot and Brian. When love or passion is involved, people will do what they will and usually follow their hearts. It may not make sense to anyone else, but to them it does and sometimes people have to experience their feelings and thoughts in a physical manner in order to move on. (NT) -- Tracy (), 19:55:11 07/17/09 Fri

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• (Sorry to be late in posting this morning. Bit of a headache put me off, but all is well now.) (NT) -- Elaine, 09:12:52 07/16/09 Thu
• Wow, it's 5pm here and nobody else has posted. I'm beginning to think July is a very bad month for book discussions! (NT) -- Elaine, 15:00:39 07/16/09 Thu
  • I have to apologize - I'm still trying to catch up here :-\ Guess I'd better light a fire under it since I'm up on Sunday right *g* (NT) -- Mahri, 16:59:47 07/16/09 Thu
    • We must have been posting at the same time. Sorry 'bout that. (NT) -- Elaine, 17:00:52 07/16/09 Thu
• Surely I didn't make the questions too hard, did I? You guys DO have internet access, yes? (NT) -- Elaine, 17:00:25 07/16/09 Thu
  • E, I'm only on chapter SEVEN!!!! Ugh. I'll never catch up at this rate. (NT) -- PeggyB, 11:17:38 07/17/09 Fri
• Sorry to be so late, Elaine. I was out all day at my MIL's with the kids, my SIL and her kids. I'll probably ramble, so will take it indside >>> -- Carla, 17:52:21 07/16/09 Thu
  • I was just being a smart-arse, that's all. (NT) -- Elaine, 18:02:52 07/16/09 Thu
• Hi All - sorry to post late but we were finishing up our stay at the beach and well you know, packing, traffic...poops a gal out. Inside for my feelings on the chapters>>> -- CindyS (), 15:23:42 07/17/09 Fri
• The reason Pamela wouldn't include Jamie is because this isn't particularly a man he approves of, and because the feel of the whole piece to me, at the time of the writing, was one of intimacy and I knew they should get married on the spot, it was how it was meant to be for them. (NT) -- celtgirl, 16:02:06 07/17/09 Fri

Last edited by author: Wed July 15, 2009 09:17:58   Edited 4 times.
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• I had that exact brand of violet candies, E. Someone brought them back from a trip for me. I read a great quote by Dennis Lehane on writing this morning, and wanted to share: Writing is a profession for sado-masochists and manic-depressives. It's good to know even the wildly successful authors often feel this way. (NT) -- celtgirl, 09:43:24 07/15/09 Wed
  • I love that little tin, and the candies themselves, too. I think the desire to write must be like a gnawing hunger that's hard to satisfy. Lehane's quote is really interesting. It sort of lends credibility to one condition that's usually poorly regarded, and another one that's terribly misunderstood. (You choose which one is which!) I should probably read some of his work. I don't seem to be in that kind of mood lately - maybe this winter. (NT) -- Elaine, 10:28:04 07/15/09 Wed
    • He said in this interview he did that any writer who doesn't suffer a major crisis of confidence with each work is either a hack or a dilettante with his head up his arse. :) Every time I write a book I go through this same phase, 'can I do this again/what the hell was I thinking with this storyline/and there's no way to pull this dang mess together so I should just go get a real job.' I'm usually there for a few months, and I'm there now with this one. (NT) -- celtgirl, 10:31:59 07/15/09 Wed
      • As painful as it must feel, I hope you are at least a little reassured in knowing that this is an almost predictable, cyclic part of your writing process, and that you don't suffer with it all alone. I'd say you're in very fine company, in fact! (NT) -- Elaine, 10:46:51 07/15/09 Wed
      • I think anybody who truly cares about what they do suffers those crisis in confidence each time they put themselves out there, at least in professions where you are on the line, either personally or with something you create, it's natural to question and doubt yourself. I think I speak for us all when I say I'm darn glad you persevere, Cindy, and gift us with your wonderful books. (NT) -- Carla, 11:01:23 07/15/09 Wed
        • Here! Here! Cindy, you are really good :) (NT) -- Tracy, 17:56:40 07/15/09 Wed
• I've rambled as usual, so come inside, please >>> -- Carla, 10:58:48 07/15/09 Wed
  • Great points on all of it Carla! I wonder if Casey ever feels regret because he was away on Republican business when this happens? Another situation in which he is not able to take care of those he loves because of his choices? Not that I am trying to blame him at all, but I think I might think about that if I were in his shoes. (NT) -- Lil, 14:44:23 07/15/09 Wed
    • I hope he doesn't think of it that way because those are the kinds of thoughts that can tie you up in useless knots for years. He could just as easily have been at a job in a factory, sick and so skipping the trip, etc. It's just as useless as if Pamela and pat torture themselves for going in the first place, choosing that train car, etc. Casey doesn't strike me as the sort to spend too much time looking back and regretting, more the type to vow to do better in the future. (NT) -- Carla, 14:49:46 07/15/09 Wed
• Inside >>> -- CindyS, 21:11:14 07/15/09 Wed
• The Great Gatsby has one of my favourite endings, it's not happy but it really is beautiful. >>>> -- celtgirl, 21:54:20 07/15/09 Wed
  • Proof that some books are simply timeless. (NT) -- Elaine, 04:40:03 07/16/09 Thu

Last edited by author: Tue July 14, 2009 05:54:50   Edited 1 time.
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• Beautiful pics, E. And perfect for this chapter. I went long (again! *g*)>>>I -- Lil, 07:50:53 07/14/09 Tue
• Still trying to catch up here :-) I don't think anyone, besides Pamela, can say whether she did the right thing or no. I mean we have opinions of course and we might think we'd know what we'd do in her situation, but we really don't if we haven't been there....*think* being the key word imho. She herself might not even be sure it was the right thing to do or not. At the time, her emotions and feelings are guiding her and there's not much time to make a decision. She could later, with more time and in hindsight feel differently and regret and wish she'd made a different choice. I do think Jamie was right to support HER decision, whether he agreed with it or not. Casey? Hmmm, they aren't married yet but I believe he should've played a role, at least been told - but I totally understand why she chose not to include him. (NT) -- Mahri, 07:59:21 07/14/09 Tue
• IMHO she made the best choice she could with what she was feeling and dealing with in that moment. I can't imagine going through something like this alone and it seems to me you'd want the support of someone close and obviously Pat wouldn't be able to handle it. Maude...well I think naming the child/fetus made it much more personal and therefore harder to let go. Jamie will always be Pamela's friend of the soul and I can't imagine him not helping her, ever. As for Casey, I think his role is more than just Pamela's fear for his life in seeking her vindication. IMHO it's also the fear that seeing a child daily that isn't his would constantly remind him of his not being able to protect her and that would slowly eat at his sense of pride and honor. (NT) -- CindyS, 11:50:38 07/14/09 Tue
• I think Pamela did what was right for her, her sanity and her future with Casey. Jamie just seemed to be the natural choice to go through this with Pamela. I wonder if she didn't want Casey involved because he would feel the need to seek revenge on a murderous level that wouldn't be able to do it as "underground" as Jamie could and I wonder if she wanted to prevent Casey from having blood on his hands. I think it would affect Casey and Jamie differently. Naming the fetus - why not? It is a being and regardless of how it was created and perhaps it is part of the mourning and of saying goodbye and seeking some closure for her. I'm not sure I remember this correctly, but didn't Maude refer to a real person? I don't have the book in front of me. (NT) -- Tracy, 14:51:51 07/14/09 Tue
  • Yes, I believe Maud Gonne was one of W. B. Yeats' lovers for a time. (NT) -- Elaine, 15:26:10 07/14/09 Tue
    • It was an unrequited love, actually- he loved her for most of his life, she considered him a very good friend with whom she exchanged countless letters. Yeats wrote some bitter poetry about her, which, ironically, was very beautiful as well. (NT) -- celtgirl, 16:11:29 07/14/09 Tue
      • Oh, I tell a lie. :) I thought I'd better double check, and on Wikipedia it says their relationship was consummated once, and that after that she told him that she prayed all earthly desire would be removed from his love for her. This was after years as friends though, and her refusing his proposals on three separate occasions. It must have been quite the relationship. (NT) -- celtgirl, 16:19:30 07/14/09 Tue
        • Wow, that statement couldn't have done much for his ego. (NT) -- Carla, 19:37:28 07/14/09 Tue
    • You know, while I was singing in the car on the way home, all of a sudden Maud Gonne popped into my head. Thanks E. (NT) -- Tracy, 17:20:22 07/14/09 Tue
• Pamela doesn't want to tell Casey, because she really doesn't want him to go off and get himself in terrible trouble, nor does she expect that Jamie will deal with it either- she's just trying to limit damage in the moment. She has her hands full with the resulting pregnancy, etc. Her love and life with Casey is so brand new that it's still fragile, so she chooses not to tell him. Of course, as is often the way, he finds out anyway and the result is a bit of a mess, though it puts them in a better place ultimately. (NT) -- celtgirl, 16:13:45 07/14/09 Tue
  • Hey did you get my email today girlie? (NT) -- Mahri, 17:03:53 07/14/09 Tue
• It's pretty much all been said, but I did want to add that this is yet another in a string of heartbreaking chapters. (NT) -- Carla, 17:08:12 07/14/09 Tue
  • I did, girl, it's just been a very trying day here emotionally for a variety of reasons, so I thought I'd respond when I'm feeling calmer and more rational. Which should be soon. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 17:52:47 07/14/09 Tue
    • Whoops- this was supposed to go under Mahri's post. (NT) -- celtgirl, 18:03:55 07/14/09 Tue
      • ((((Cindy)))) (NT) -- Tracy, 18:40:32 07/14/09 Tue
      • Awww no rush girl. In fact there wasn't anything to respond to anyway...just checking in - I've missed seeing you about. I sent a reply, I think to one of the Yahoo groups the other day that took 8 (ok maybe more like 6 *g*) hours to go through...damn AOL. ((((Cindy)))) hope your feeling better soon! (NT) -- Mahri, 19:19:46 07/14/09 Tue
    • (((Cindy))) Ireland is looking better and better every day. (NT) -- Carla, 19:38:16 07/14/09 Tue

Last edited by author: Mon July 13, 2009 05:52:13   Edited 4 times.
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• My first thought was that someone in the IRA who didn't like what Casey was doing ordered the train job. My second was that Lucien Broughton ordered it to provoke Jamie and perhaps catch him doing something in retribution. I do think it's Jamie who's orchestrating the deaths of the men who raped Pamela and almost killed Pat. I think Duncan has gone off to England or possibly even North America to escape Bernie and possibly whomever is taking revenge on Pamela & Pat's behalf. And it's nice to see Bernie running scared, it's a little bit of karma for all the terror and misery he's brought to others. (NT) -- Carla, 06:01:49 07/13/09 Mon
  • you hit all my thoughts, Carla. I thought Lucien first, though. Then I thought about Pat being "known" with the activists that were recently in Derry...possibly they had something to do with the incident on the train. Otherwise I'm almost 100% that Jamie has everything to do with the death/disappearance of those three men. And hopefully Duncan is far away! (NT) -- Lil, 08:05:17 07/13/09 Mon
• A short chapter, but a really powerful one! Tomorrow's chapter is going to be another tough one. (NT) -- Elaine, 10:56:11 07/13/09 Mon
• Bernie is such a rat and I am glad he is running scared - he should. Run far, run fast Bernie! I think it is Jamie behind the revenge killings and I think it was Jamie who followed Bernie and his fear right out of the bar. (NT) -- Tracy, 18:38:58 07/13/09 Mon
• Run, run as fast as you can, we're gonna get you you mean little man... (NT) -- CindyS, 19:57:14 07/13/09 Mon
  • great comment! :-) (NT) -- Lil, 07:52:12 07/14/09 Tue

Exit Unicorns Chapter 17 -- Tracy, 07:39:53 07/08/09 Wed [5]
Sorry I am late with the posting Shammies. I have been without power since last night and we just got back on the grid.


Question for Cindy: What is 1 thing that is daunting about the writing process and what is 1 thing that is exhilarating about the writing process?


Cindy's Answer: Every time I start a new book I think to myself 'I don't know if I can do this again' and it scares the heck out of me. The thing I love best is when I hit the zone and I am just gone into that world, it's entirely exhilirating and I never know where we're going or what they might do. I love it when I am completely absorbed into their world, it's a bit trance-like really.


Chapter 17 - The Water Under the Bridge

How does the setting figure as a character in this story?

Pat and Pamela head to a civil rights march and Casey wonders if they have gone "stark raving mad". Any thoughts or comments on the events of this chapter?

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• Ireland is more than just the setting for this story, it shapes each of the characters -- their views on life, the events in their lives, their relationships to each other, themselves and the past. In this particular chapter, the hedgerows, fields, lanes and rivers shape the events -- hiding attackers, hindering victims and helping to create the tone of foreboding as the march progresses. Whether in song, verse or prose, Ireland is often referred to as a living, breathing, feeling entity and Cindy's works are no exception. There must be something exceptional about a place that has inspired so much loyalty, love, fanaticism and heartbreak over the centuries. (NT) -- Carla, 16:47:29 07/08/09 Wed
• Like Casey, I wondered if they'd gone mad, knowing there would not be a good outcome to the march. To be honest, I was surprised Casey didn't go along with them to protect Pamela (because I'm sure she would have laughed in his face if he'd told her she couldn't go). I know people treat each other with such brutality every day somewhere in the world, but I still cannot fathom how you can look someone in the face and then hurt them as badly as those people were hurt without any physical danger to yourself. This type of face-to-face violence is, to me, much harder to comprehend than the anonymous blowing up of a building (not that that's acceptable either). I know that I would not be brave enough to put myself in the situation Pat, Pamela and the other marchers did. (NT) -- Carla, 17:35:44 07/08/09 Wed
• Sorry I'm late! I think the sight of Sylvie was such a wonderful moment in this chapter. She comes like an angel, fair and freckled, to help Pat and Pamela. I think Carla said it best about the setting and the march. It's amazing the hatred that was dealt there that day. And the complicity of the police was disgusting but shows you where the power and control was. (NT) -- Lil, 22:18:54 07/08/09 Wed
  • I loved when Sylvie arrived too Lil. Her little sister is just adorable and asking Pat if he would marry her Sylvie. (NT) -- Tracy, 06:52:17 07/09/09 Thu

-- Tracy, 20:36:45 07/06/09 Mon [24]
Question for Cindy: When did you know "this is a story and I have to write it in a book"?

Answer: I jotted away at this story in various incarnations for YEARS, but it was about eleven years ago when my dad asked me to write him a story as a Christmas present that I realized I really needed to start putting these bits and pieces together and see if I couldn't write a proper novel with them. The piece I wrote my dad landed me an agent, but it never did make its way into EU. It took place on Christmas Eve on the frosty roof of a church and was between Father Terry and Jamie. Father Terry related the history of Brendan Riordan (Casey and Pat's grandda') and Peg McBride- someday those characters will have their own novel.


Chapter 15 -Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" and Chapter 16 - "Under Ben Bulben"




I did not know what Ben Bulben meant on my first read so I googled and learned that it is a large rock formation (formed in the Ice Age) in County Sligo and has many Celtic legends tied to it. Yeats also wrote poetry about BenBulben.


Discussion Questions

1. What major emotion did the story, or character when he/she said or did something, evoke in you as a reader (or author) as you read (or wrote) these two chapters?

2. Symbols intensify meaning. Can you identify any in the book so far: people, actions or objects that stand for something greater than themselves?

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• OK, maybe this is a little out there *g*, but the 8 fingered fish has got me wondering. I'm thinking it would look a bit like Ichthyostega, a prehistoric animal that had limb-like fins that allowed it to live between two worlds, the water and land. This must be important! All the characters seem to be living in two worlds - Pamela is an American who has left behind a safe/secure life in the States to cohabit with Republican Irish boys (one she desperately loves), exposing herself to all kinds of trouble. Casey is taking up the reins in the 'family business', but his heart wants to keep Pamela safe in the little house by the sea with the white picket fence - conflicted for sure. And then there's Jamie - the successful, very wealthy business man with his own underground affairs on the side, as well as all the contrary feelings towards love. He's certainly uncomfortable living in his own skin, at least as far being loved/giving love is concerned. Going long>>>>> -- Denise, 22:24:34 07/06/09 Mon
  • What a brilliant assessment you make here, Denise! (NT) -- Elaine, 06:23:41 07/07/09 Tue
  • This is great, Denise! And thanks for posting the picture. I read this chapter last night and enjoyed re-reading about Harry. I also loved that Casey was protecting this creature from publicity - being the fore-creature to our human existence in his mind was enough. (NT) -- Lil, 09:33:43 07/07/09 Tue
  • I think it has significance if you feel that it does. Which is to say, as a writer you let go of ownership to a certain extent when people read your work and bring their own perceptions and experiences to the work- after all that's the joy of reading, and why books are so much richer an experience than television. We interact on several levels while reading, creating a very personal world with the characters and settings. That being said, I play over and over on the idea of edge places- things that are neither here nor there, creatures that might be real or might not- areas of the world where it seems anything might be possible, good or bad, as though such places are an actual rip in the fabric of reality, and of course reality itself>>> -- celtgirl, 15:35:41 07/07/09 Tue
    • Have you ever felt you're in one of those edge places when you're away from the ocean? To me, all the edge places I can think of are on the ocean -- not a lake or a river, not in the mountains although they are breathtaking and majestic. The places I've been which come to mind include the west coast of Ireland, the east coast of Newfoundland, the west coast of Vancouver Island and Santorini (one of the Greek islands). In all of those places, I've felt a sense of history, of lives lived and somehow imprinted on the very earth and yet they hold infinite promise as well, as there's no land to be seen or reached by boat for thousands of miles if you head in the right direction. (NT) -- Carla, 18:53:13 07/07/09 Tue
      • If you ever saw Loch Ness, you'd understand how all kinds of strange stories arise from it. That is the blackest water I've ever seen in my life. Spooky. (NT) -- E, 21:02:26 07/07/09 Tue
        • I've been to Loch Ness and I think because I was there during the day, it was sunny, there were lots of tourists about it didn't feel so mystical to me. Growing up on the edge of the North Atlantic, I'm used to looking down into water so dark and cold you can't see anything below the surface, which does, I agree, lead to that sense that there are things down there we as humans could never understand or even imagine. (NT) -- Carla, 05:54:53 07/08/09 Wed
          • You were lucky - it's not usually sunny there! To me, if I can't see my hand when I dip it in the water, it's scary. I also agree about the ocean, especially if one cannot see land and the skies aren't so clear. Yikes, talk about frightening. (NT) -- E, 07:11:21 07/08/09 Wed
            • I don't think of the ocean (or most bodies of water) so much as frightening as something you need to be very respectful and mindful of, never take it for granted, never trust it fully and never turn your back. Although I suppose most people would fear something they regarded in such ways. I, however, love the ocean and can watch it in all its moods; I particularly like to watch storms on the ocean, that kind of power is awe-inspiring to me. Unlike, Pamela, however, I have no urge to actually go INTO the ocean during a storm :) (NT) -- Carla, 13:58:48 07/08/09 Wed
              • Many times I've been out fishing on a big lake, far from land, and when I look down to where the line meets the water, I often think of what might be lurking down there, just waiting to appear. My idea of perfection would be to live on a boat, named The Answer. (NT) -- E, 15:11:56 07/08/09 Wed
              • (Btw, I stole that name from the old TV show, Harry O, with David Janssen - anybody remember him? That was the name of his boat.) (NT) -- E, 15:16:17 07/08/09 Wed
      • I have felt it away from the ocean, definitely. Usually it's at the edge of two different elements, admittedly, but I've felt it in other places too- where strange energy lingers etc, we have a spot like that here in Quesnel- where you feel like you could step out of this world into a far darker one, I don't go there because I hate the way I feel there. Sometimes even a building can feel that way, depending on its history. (NT) -- celtgirl, 22:40:04 07/07/09 Tue
    • I know you are drawn to the magical and mystical, and I really didn't think you placed that 8 fingered fish in the story for the reasons I proposed, but I let my imagination run away with the idea and had fun with it. Hey, maybe subconsciously that was your reasoning! (NT) -- Denise, 18:58:16 07/07/09 Tue
      • I was agreeing with you, Denise- it is a creature of two worlds, its fossilized footprints here in this one, but its life long gone in another. (NT) -- celtgirl, 22:43:33 07/07/09 Tue
• I truly enjoyed the scene with Jamie and Lucien going toe to toe in the drawing room. Jamie has the most brilliant mind and his points and counterpoints were so perfect. I wonder, as we get later in the chapter the Duke suggests that Jamie was drinking apple juice, but Pamela seems to be concerned about him and the "strains of the evening." Is this all an act for all of their benefit (to include Pamela)? Is he really "breaking" or is he using that as a tool to read the others? He seems similar to Lymond here (that's a compliment *g*) in which I find myself wondering what is real and what is a ruse. (NT) -- Lil, 13:46:01 07/07/09 Tue
  • He's smokescreening them all at this point, to see what he can suss out if they believe his guards are down. He also likes to play, especially if the stakes are high. (NT) -- celtgirl, 15:20:44 07/07/09 Tue
  • Jamie really made me wonder what was going on as well Lil. Cindy's writing here was intellectually stimulating for me. I started thinking about the politics, how should he play people, what move should he make next and where so and so fits in to a plan. I felt like I was getting into the story pages with the characters and experiencing things along with them. That's usually when I lose track of time and space around me and then all of a sudden a sound hits my ear and I'm 'aware' again and it's 3am! (NT) -- Tracy (), 17:52:57 07/07/09 Tue
• I thought it was interesting that both the Duke and Jamie know who Pamela is and her father was; it made me wonder just what he was besides an Irish-American businessman. (NT) -- Carla, 18:55:19 07/07/09 Tue
• Cindy At what point in the story does he recognize Pamela for who she really is? I don't imagine it was instantaneous considering his state at their first meeting on the day of his dad's funeral, but considering how sharp he is, I think it musn't have been much later. I also wonder how much Yevgena knew about the dark haired gypsy girl. (NT) -- Denise, 19:02:10 07/07/09 Tue
  • This is Jamie, he knew who she was from the moment she danced out in front of him- and even knew it when he asked her to take him to bed- he was drunk though, which caused him to be a wee bit reckless. As he tells the Duke he figures if she wants to tell him she will, and if she doesn't she likely has reasons for it. (NT) -- celtgirl, 22:42:21 07/07/09 Tue
    • There is the irony that she's waiting for him to recognize her and he's waiting for her to tell him who she is; given their natures it's a wonder the topic ever comes up. (NT) -- Carla, 05:58:25 07/08/09 Wed
• I rambled, so I've put my answer on the symbolism inside >>> -- Carla, 20:21:43 07/07/09 Tue
  • Absolutely wonderfully expressed Carla. I'm saving that. (NT) -- Tracy, 07:29:51 07/08/09 Wed