ICE Breakers
THE NAMES
BOOK OF THE MOMENT
Is your name your destiny and does it determine your future? Do you agree with this statement?
What did you think of Knapp’s 3 name choices of Bear, Julian and Gordon? Why do you think Knapp always wrote each time section in this particular name order.
At the end of the book Knapp gives the meaning of the names she chose for her characters – do you think they were well suited to the versions she created?
How did you find Knapp’s handling of domestic abuse? The consequences of Cora’s choices are very different but do you think the damage done is the same?
The only person who remains unchanged is Gordon – why do you think this is?
Could you feel equal love and empathy for all 3 versions of the characters or did you have a favourite and why?
Can you see this book being adapted for TV or Film?
THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US
MISSED OPPORTUNITY
THE QUEEN OF DIRT ISLAND
Were you surprised at the situation Saoirse found herself in, having been brought up without a father herself?
Why do you think Eileen never met another man?
Do you think Eileen was the daughter Nana never had?
Have you read any other books by Donal Ryan? If so, how did this compare?
Do you think Ryan successfully brings ordinary lives to life?
How does the Irish rural setting add to the story?
THE WILD CARD