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Book Jacket

Trouble the Living

A mother and daughter confront the past in this enthralling debut set in Ireland...

Summary and Reviews
Excerpt
Reading Guide

Discuss Trouble the Living by Francesca McDonnell Capossela

In the end, Brid debates whether to leave Ireland again. Do you think she made the right decision? In your opinion is it better to make your life close to where you were raised, or far away from it?

19

Dec. 08, 2023
by juliaa

Did it surprise you to learn that women were so prominently involved in the violence?

23

Dec. 08, 2023
by juliaa

Alcohol plays a big role in this story; do you think this is symbolic?

3

Dec. 08, 2023
by juliaa

Why do you suppose Brid refuses to tell Bernie anything about her past? Under the circumstances, do you feel her decision was the correct one?

22

Dec. 08, 2023
by juliaa

This is Francesca McDonnell Capossela’s debut; would you be interested in reading more from this author?

15

Dec. 08, 2023
by juliaa

What did you know about "the Troubles" before reading the book? Did you learn anything new? Was your opinion of the conflict changed in any way?

20

Dec. 08, 2023
by juliaa

What parallels did you find between Bernie's life and Brid's? Did you sympathize with one character more than the other?

8

Nov. 28, 2023
by beckys

Brid realizes that most girls their age are like Ina, and that she, Brid, is the outlier. "I felt then that I was not a real girl." What do you suppose she means by this? Can you relate?

10

Nov. 28, 2023
by beckys

Brid learned at the diner that "friendships only happened in the spaces where men weren't." How do you feel about this statement?

11

Nov. 28, 2023
by beckys

Overall, what did you think of Trouble the Living? (no spoilers)

31

Nov. 28, 2023
by beckys

Bernie thinks, "I felt lucky ... to be in control of my body, self-governing and whole. It was what we all wanted. To choose our own freedom, to choose our own pain." Do you agree with her?

8

Nov. 28, 2023
by beckys

Bernie opines that "too much love could drown you just as well as neglect could." What do you think she meant, and do you agree with her?

8

Nov. 28, 2023
by beckys

Do you feel Brid and Kaleb should have realized Bernie was having a tough time? How does one know when a friend or family member is hurting?

17

Nov. 28, 2023
by beckys

How much of our self-worth is dependent on our relationships with our children and/or with our parents?

11

Nov. 22, 2023
by beckys

Were there particular scenes in the novel that resonated with you? What did you find special about them?

5

Nov. 21, 2023
by Elizabeth

What did you think of Brid's decision to leave Ireland after the bombing? Were you surprised by her relatives' responses when she tried to make contact afterwards?

10

Nov. 20, 2023
by lisagewolb

Brid knew without being told that the Northern Ireland conflict was "set in stone." Treaties have largely kept the peace, but still education and neighborhoods are heavily segregated. How can deep divisions be overcome?

5

Nov. 18, 2023
by ColoradoGirl

Why do you think the Orange Order parades are permitted to continue? Are you aware of events in other parts of the world that are similarly contentious?

5

Nov. 11, 2023
by paulagb

Aoife takes her daughters to view the border and cautions them not tell their brothers, because "girls understand these things much better than fellas." Why did she do this, and what do you think means?

6

Nov. 11, 2023
by paulagb

What role should the church play in world events? When is it appropriate for a religious leader to take sides in a conflict, or speak out regarding a situation beyond the church?

8

Nov. 11, 2023
by wendyf

Why do you suppose Aoife regards each of her daughters differently? How does this impact each of the girls? Do you think Brid does, in fact, get the "bigger prize"?

6

Nov. 10, 2023
by jills

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