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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

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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 87 ~ Good Night Moon -- Elaine, 15:54:47 11/02/07 Fri [39]
1) What do you think was Casey's state of mind as he waited for that door to open?

2) Was Jamie's house the first place Casey went to find his wife? Was it better to meet her there rather than at their cottage? Why?

3) What, if anything, did the little ruined cottage serve to symbolize (in their marriage, in Ireland)? Why?

4) "... I failed to keep that promise." Casey has made at least one other important promise in his life, and failed to keep it (to care for his brother Patrick after their dad died). Even though this promise seemed like a blood oath to Pamela, is Casey likely to keep it this time? Why?

5) Why was 'Good Night Moon' a particularly appropriate benediction after their renewed mutual commitment?

6) This planet - a ripple on the shore of infinity. Such a statement might make someone feel pretty insignificant. In light of the immeasurable vastness of infinity, what significance is there in the love between two people?

Epilogue

1) Did you wonder, like me, why the door suddenly closed? How do you think that happened?

2) Speculate on where Jamie might have gone to 'fish.' What was he hoping to 'catch?'

Our discussion has come to an end and my heart is very heavy. As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing good in Goodbye, so I will simply wish my friends Farewell until we meet again. Cindy, thank you for a wonderful story. We leave Patrick, Pamela, Casey, Jamie and our new friend, David, in your very capable hands.

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Will be posting the final set of questions a bit later today. So sorry about that. Forgot that I'm working at dd's school for a few hours today. Maybe it's really subliminal, though. The thought of closing Mermaid, and not spending time with my friends from Belfast, is leaving me very sad. :-( -- Elaine, 06:13:19 11/02/07 Fri [7]
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Chapter ~ The Tenth Commandment -- Elaine, 20:42:22 10/31/07 Wed [28]
1a) Jamie the authoritarian? Or maybe paternalistic Jamie? Is this what Casey needed? Did Casey deserve that from the man who would be his rival? Why?

1b) Jamie's visit - and ultimatum - was meant for whose direct benefit?

2) Casey is so low here, at least as low as he was immediately following his father's death. You can remember his punishment after his reckless behavior then. Is there anything similar in this situation, does it in any way mirror that earlier lonely time in Casey's life?

3) If you were Casey, could you forgive Pamela? Do you want Casey to forgive her?

4) Why did Cindy use this particular chapter title? The Catholic commandments are actually somewhat different from the Protestant commandments, but they each emphasize one important word in #10: covet.

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Chapter 82 ~ Requiem -- Elaine, 20:18:16 10/30/07 Tue [27]
1) Sylvie's funeral is over. To whom is the chapter title referring?

2) Casey assumed the role of vigilante. Disregarding law and justice, was this the right thing to do for Pat? Would Pat have been able to do what Casey did? Would he have wanted to?

3) After all that has transpired in the past several weeks, how does Casey hold his memory of Robin? Is there any love remaining?

Chapter 83 ~ Brother's Keeper

1) Given the reason for Sylvie's murder, why would Casey even condone a visit to Pat from David, let alone suggest it to David in person?

Chapter 84 ~ How Lonely People Make a Life

1) Utter despair, grief, unremitting regret. How do any of us find the strength - the will - to go on when tragedy strikes?

2) What are your thoughts about David at the end of this chapter? Have they changed since his character was introduced earlier in the book?

Chapter 85 ~ Here in the Dark

1) What's more difficult for you - being alone, or being lonely, and why?

2) If he could manage to stay one night, why couldn't he stay forever?

3) If you were Pamela, what would you have said or done differently while being comforted and protected by Casey after so long an absence?

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Chapter 80 ~ The Butcher's Bill -- Elaine, 21:55:04 10/29/07 Mon [24]
The previous chapter was a killer. But did you honestly think our esteemed author would give us a chance to breathe again this soon? Not a chance.

"For he had forgotten, in the cruel spring of his happiness, that even lovers die."

1) The chapter begins so peacefully. A newly married couple on their way to a pleasant Sunday meal with a dear friend, politics on the back burner just for today. But cruel politics is never really far away in Northern Ireland. Many of you have already expressed your sadness at losing Sylvie. I'd like to know what you felt the first time you read this chapter.

2) What does the title of this chapter signify?

3) For those of you who may be confused over the relationship between Pamela and Jamie, were you surprised to learn that Casey had been gone over a week and yet Pamela had not been in contact with Jamie during that time? Why, why not?

4) Do you have ghosts that you carry with you? Would you like to tell us about them?

Chapter 81 ~ In Sunlight or in Shadow

1) If you were a member of Sylvie's family, how would you feel right now towards Pat?

2) Can you see any benefit in Pat maintaining a relationship with David?

The title of this chapter comes from the beloved old Irish ballad, 'Danny Boy:'

Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side
The summer's gone, and all the roses dying
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.

But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.

And if you come, when all the flowers are dying
And I am dead, as dead I well may be
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me.

And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me
And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be
If you'll not fail to tell me that you love me
I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.

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Chapter 79 Blood Brothers -- Elaine, 20:47:30 10/28/07 Sun [16]
And so Casey's downward spiral begins. This is the chapter that the entire book has been pointing to. One line says it all: (Robin to Casey) "Maybe it's only that ye didn't want to see it."

1) Had you expected it would be Robin all along? Why or why not?

2) Robin was a double agent who had to protect his image on both sides. Was it really necessary to kill those British soldiers in cold blood back in Chapter 18 to prove his loyalty to one side?

3) Speculate on why Robin's father, of all people, was the trigger man in Brian Riordan's execution.

4) Was it right or wrong of Pamela to keep her pregnancy a secret from Casey?

5) Why was Pamela unable to answer Casey when he asked if she had felt anything when in bed with Hagerty?

6) Deep down, do you think Casey really did know the truth? About Pamela and Hagerty? About Robin's father's involvement in his dad's murder? About Robin? Is Casey a coward for not having seen the truth, or not wanting to see the truth?

7) If you have any thoughts or feelings to express about this gut-wrenching chapter, feel free.

Note to Cindy: I may have missed something obvious here - sorry. Was Robin sexually abused just as Lawrence was, and perhaps by some of the same individuals? Was Robin's father involved in the pedophile ring as well?

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Chapter 78 - Englishman -- Elaine, 14:36:15 10/27/07 Sat [14]
1) I felt the stranger on the other end of the phone was setting Pat up. Did you? What would cause Pat to trust this stranger more than his own good judgment? What would you have done under the circumstances?

2) Pat has been imprisoned and tortured. Clearly the English have it in for him and eyes will be watching his activities from now on. Then in this chapter he kills some members of the IRA. He's literally caught smack in the middle of The Troubles. What advice would you give him now?

3) We learn that Jamie has spies placed throughout Ireland, not just in Northern Ireland. Why - what is Jamie's purpose in having eyes and ears on the entire island? And why does Pat suddenly fear him?

(We've been experiencing some technical difficulties with our DSL provider - Charter, you know how I love to bash them - so please forgive me for posting a little late.)

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Chapter 77: The Lost Boy -- Elaine, 21:40:36 10/25/07 Thu [22]
1) Even though I'd read it before today, there really is no way to prepare for the impact of this chapter. Did you expect the outcome that is painfully revealed here? What role did Lawrence play throughout 'Mermaid?' Should he be regarded as simply another character in the story, or was he symbolic of something deeper?

2) The line that, for me, basically sums up 'Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears' can be found on page 663: "And it is the past that we cannot escape." Whose past is being spoken of here? Does this statement ring true for you, does it have personal meaning to you? Share your thoughts with us, please.

3) We see some references here to Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, even the chapter title. Given the last heart-to-heart talk Casey had with Lawrence in the previous chapter, I was particularly moved when Pamela told him, '...second star from the right, and straight on to morning.' What similarities does Lawrence share with Peter Pan? What differences? Is there a Neverland in 'Mermaid?'

4) I haven't any more to say about this pain-filled chapter, but would like to know how you felt as you read it.

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Chapter Seventy-Six 'The Stardust Sea' -- Marilyn (), 20:09:55 10/24/07 Wed [22]
Another peaceful, comforting chapter to me….until the end then I was on edge again *g*

1. Love the imagery here of the ‘shift from summer to autumn’. Even though I dread the early darkness in the evenings of this time of year and I know the blue months are coming, I love this time of year for other reasons. Homey smells inside, because it’s cooler outside (or it’s supposed to be ugh!) so I bake more. Crisper air outside (again it’s supposed to be..I wonder if we were time warped to the tropics around here) and the smell of woodsmoke in the air (not that I've smelt that yet..haha can ya tell I'm tired of the humidity?) And color, Autumn can have brilliant colors vs the pastels of spring. I don’t know that I have a favorite time of year, I like each season for different reasons. What do you like most about Autumn/Winter?

2. Do you get the Vertigo feeling when you think about the universe ‘ whirlin an’ spinnin’ never stopping’? Does it help to think of being in an ocean vs space?

3. I wondered if Casey’s life conversation with Lawrence was meant not only for the boy but for himself and Pamela as well. What do you think?

4. Finally, I love reading about possible origins of old wives tales, superstitions, every story has to start somewhere and who knows what truths started it. Do you remember your thoughts, on your first read, regarding the owl? Did you think then, that it was foreshadowing? Did you have a clue who it might be foretelling about?

Thanks for another great week Shammies!

Last edited by author: Wed October 24, 2007 20:28:01 Edited 2 times.
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Chapter Seventy-Five 'On the Craic' -- Marilyn, 08:01:40 10/24/07 Wed [31]
Lord, after reading the end of this chapter, I can’t even think straight! How am I supposed to come up with questions after that? Can anyone tell me?

1. I’ll start with the music. Damn (said lovingly) the musicians and their music. They really can seduce you. I love the sound of the fiddle, the penny whistle and any other number of instruments, but the drums are what speak to me…especially the bodhran. I’ve often talked about the band Albannach. They have 5 (count ‘em 5) drummers, 2 on the bodhran and one piper. They need no sound system. They stir the blood, literally. One of the author’s descriptions ‘feet flying beneath their chairs’, made me smile. I cannot just move my feet, my whole body is jumping..even while sitting. How about y’all – how does music affect you in this area? Can you sit quietly and listen? Are you satisfied moving just feet and hands?

2. As soon as Casey starts towards her, Pamela looks to flee. Why did she come to the Pub? What was she expecting of the night?

3. Reconnecting intimately. Pamela realizes it solves little . What does it solve?

4. She is a realist, Pamela knew what bringing Casey back to Ireland would mean – yet she did it anyway. She knows she’s not able to bend his will. Would she really want to? Would he be the same man?

5. Would it make any difference if Casey had done the proposing in the beginning? If she had let him take the time to come to the idea of marriage first.

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Chapter Seventy-Four 'God and Green Apples' -- Marilyn, 06:50:18 10/23/07 Tue [34]
God love Lawrence.
He seems so young and fragile at times, mature and wise other times. I think he’s very diplomatic, for his age, in this chapter.

1. Pamela tells Lawrence that it’s not as simple as love, trust is involved. She doesn’t get to finish her thought. Has there been a trust broken on Casey’s part? Or do you think she was referring to Casey’s trust for her?

2. Someone is watching the house. Do you think it’s someone looking out for Pamela’s welfare, the other way around or both? If it’s the pissed off IRA or some other group wanting to do harm, why do they not make a move on her while she is alone?

3. Well, Casey and Pamela are the stubborn sort aren’t they? They both make subtle moves toward the other without overtly being the one to cave in on their stand. Again, God love Lawrence *g*. Have you ever been a middleman/woman in a situation like this? Are you good at it or do you just want to throw the subjects together, wipe your hands and walk away?

4. Casey says Pamela’s resorting to name calling means her temper is cooling. I’m more likely to use the name calling in the heat of anger and become more reconciling later. How about you?

5. Do you think Casey’s was working with the IRA before the separation? It seems from this chapter that he became more involved again afterward, to vent anger, to feel like he was ‘doing something’.

6. Finally, any thoughts on the title of this chapter?

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Chapter Seventy-Three 'Misses Robinson' -- Marilyn, 07:03:15 10/22/07 Mon [43]
1. It appears that Casey is merely a consultant for the IRA, not involved in going out on 'jobs'. Does this make a difference? Would it put Pamela's mind at ease to know this...does it yours?

2. Hahaha - omigoodness, I should've got a clue by the title of this chapter..but I didn't :-) The author did a wonderful job of painting (with words) this whole scene with the sisters Robinson for me. I was laughing out loud. From Casey's 'caught off guard' reaction to the sister's virgin status to he and Robin's getaway out the window. Two things stand out for me and are imprinted in my mind - Casey pausing before going out the window to give Miss Edwina a kiss - is that a man or what, I love him! And then his 'Run ye daft bastard' and cuffing Robin on the head while he runs past him.
Please share any laugh out loud moments you had while reading.

3. Pamela has kept a secret from Casey before, for his protection - I'm thinking that was about the rape. But he still felt like he had 'all' of her then. She is still trying to protect him, yet he feels there's something different/shifted in their relationship. What? What's different this time?

4. I really felt bad for Robin in this and the last part of the story. Casey is like the only family he has - I could almost believe he would turn out alright in the end. Despite that incident where he's introduced to us, I wanted to trust him where Casey was concerned. No questions, just my thoughts, feel free to share yours.

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Chapter 72 'Hard Man -- Marilyn, 16:51:54 10/20/07 Sat [18]
1. Something comes to a head here – it was mentioned earlier in the discussion that this blow up and his leaving seemed out of character for Casey. Did you think so?

2. “And that’s my greatest sin, isn’t it? That I wasn’t born here, so I can never understand all the rules.” Is it just the politics of the country Pamela is naïve about? Or is there more?

3. Both Casey & Pamela say some very hurtful things to each other. Casey senses something wrong at the core of their marriage and Pamela has yet another opportunity here to tell him about Love. She feels she is ‘keeping him safe’ by keeping the truth from him and yet he’s still walking out the door. What would you do? Let your marriage die slowly with the weight of secrets or come clean early on and hope for repair? Of course this is hypothetical, none of us really knows how we'll react in any given situation until it happens, but what do you think you would do and why?

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Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears - Part Seven 'The End of Ordinary Life' -- Marilyn, 08:06:52 10/19/07 Fri [21]
Chapter 71
'Just Another Day in Paradise'

1. Bloody Friday a retaliation for Bloody Sunday. Both devestating, one is looked upon as keeping order/peace, the other as terrorism. It never fails to anger me. Does reading about the situation in Northern Ireland, putting a human face to the IRA, who were considered terrorists, make you think differently about some of the modern day groups we put the terrorist title to?

2. There are many professions where you have to be objective, distance yourself from the human aspect, from your emotions, in order to perform your job. Photographing crime scenes and war has got be one of the hardest. Could you do it? Could you be a Doctor a Lawyer or a Crime Scene Investigator?

3. We’ve already discussed there are good people on both sides of this conflict. It seems Gerard is not a hardcore loyalist but just trying to do his job with the RUC. Pamela is in Belfast for love – why do you think Gerard is there?

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Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears ~Chapter 70 – Cara -- JaneH, 03:43:56 10/18/07 Thu [15]
1. David was hot, hot, hot in this chapter. My image of him as James Bond is a total turn on. Are we really sure he’s gay? Or could this be a disguise of his secret persona? (hint hint author lady ;-)
2. I still think there’s much more to the story than that war makes for strange bedfellows. Clearly a man of David’s caliber does not get lonely and make friends with the enemy. Does anyone else feel there’s more here than meets the eye?
Thanks to all of you who participated. Writing questions at the end of a book is far harder than at the beginning. Some of these chapters were a bit challenging. I appreciate everyone’s support. And Cindy I hope you had a lovely holiday ;-)

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Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears ~Chapter 69 – What Remains… -- JaneH, 03:29:54 10/17/07 Wed [16]
1. “There was a magic about her when she danced that wasn’t there normally, as if somethin’ else came over her, almost as if someone inhabited her soul as soon as the music began”. I imagine it’s the same for the author?
2. I don’t know which chapter was more sad – their finding wee Jo or having to tell Robin. How painful was it to write these chapters Cindy? And for the rest – how painful was it to read these?
3. For all Robin’s flaws, my heart broke for him and I came to understand the unbalanced life he led. I imagine his guilt for having left her with them was more than anyone could bear. Did you all feel the same?
4. “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance,” That was a lovely way to end that hard chapter. I feel like in the past 2 weeks, I’ve done it all too fast with the death of one beloved dog and then a new puppy. Are their appropriate amounts of time for each stage? Mine seem to all blur together. How do you all handle these stages? Are they well defined for you?

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Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears ~Chapter 68 – Childhood Ghosts -- JaneH, 04:10:10 10/16/07 Tue [7]

5. This is a very sad chapter. But I have to admit I had a laugh out loud moment when Pamela explained that Lawrence taught her to pick locks and Pat responded, “Oh, good to see ye do things as a family”. Just thought I’d share that as it cracked me up ;-)
6. I can’t imagine being Pamela finding these boxes only to come home and find out that Lawrence was allowing himself to be abused in order to save them. Her thoughts of turning to Jamie were the only saving grace here. I think I’d have gone right off the deep end if I were her. Your thoughts?
7. “I dream that I am not alone.” I don’t think I have ever read anything quite as sad as that. If you were the king of the world, what would you do with these horrible men?
8. Lastly just a general discussion of how we as a society stop this sort of evil. This is not historical, this type of thing happens every day…..in churches, in schools, in families and elsewhere. What more can be done?

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