Questions and Topics for Discussion:

 

Sisters of Belfast offers a complex mix of love stories from various female characters. Which character’s story or inner life were you most able to relate to and why? While we are often repelled by certain people in our lives and in works of fiction, there is the possibility that these people and characters have something to teach us about ourselves. Was this true of any characters you encountered in this novel and how so?

 

At the core of this work of fiction is the very real, present and divisive topic of women’s reproductive rights. Discuss the novel’s portrayal of this issue in that era and your thoughts and feelings about the progress or lack thereof in today’s society.

 

Discuss the relationship between Aelish and Izzy. Were there anything moments in their story that particularly resonated with you? Did you side with one sister over the other and if so, why?

 

The best novels are often the ones that have us feel deeply and be haunted by a character or topic, whether it be anger, love, frustration, sorrow, or endearment. Did you experienced any of these, and if so, who or what evoked a reaction from you and why?

 

 

Within Sisters of Belfast there are several subplots of unrequited love. One of which is the unrequited love between Sister Mike and Charlie Rose. What thoughts, feelings, judgments did you have about this particular story line? Have you ever been on either side of an unrequited love?

 

Sisters of Belfast has a few antagonists. Some blatant such as Sister Edel, and Declan’s parents, while others are more obscure yet just as powerful such as the religious community. Discuss how these important antagonistic elements deepened the story. What thought or perspectives did their actions or way of moving through the world provoke in you? Were there any points at which you found yourself with any compassion for them?

 

Discuss the hidden affection Aelish carries for Declan. Was she wise in keeping this love to herself and getting out of Isabel’s way to love and happiness? Was Isabel selfish in taking Declan for her own, knowing somewhere inside that her twin had feelings for him? Do you believe that our fate can be altered by another?

 

Sisters of Belfast holds many flawed, yet endearing characters stitched together from factual accounts and journalistic narratives of those who experienced the mother and baby homes in Ireland. Not the least of which is sweet Leena. Knowing that her story is based on some very harsh truths, what impact did Leena have on you? Discuss your awareness or lack of awareness around this tragic piece of history and how it might be reflected in the historical mosaic of your home country.

 

Discuss any moments of surprise or unexpectedness in Sisters of Belfast. What emotions were evoked by these moments in the story? Did it change your initial perspective about certain characters and their life choices?