Refuge Book Club: Martyr! A Novel by Kaveh Akbar - TBD

last years winner the Netanyahus was pretty quirky, but a dense read at some points… had a great amount of humor in it too. really enjoyed it

Trust was excellent, great read with an interesting structure. Copperhead i need to read but keep shying away from it, will read eventually

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https://refuge.nolayingup.com/t/whatcha-reading/9168/2848?u=waver82

Did we want to set a date to discuss?

How about June 14?

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Sounds like plenty of time

Works for me! Sorry I’ve been out and about for golf and not reading much :joy::joy:

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SHAME

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I’m still planning on us meeting next Wednesday the 14th even if our title hasn’t been updated. Likely can only be there for the first hour but, honestly, I don’t think there’s a LOT to talk about? Always ready to be shocked. Also gonna try and watch the film before then as well.

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Sorry I’ve been useless lately…how are people feeling about the 14th?

I’m fine with it but could push a week. Fyi I did watch the movie and it’s delightful.

I’d be happy with an extra week. Let’s me get to the orange theory signature workout on the 14th. I’m excited to discuss our speculation on Rose’s golf game

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I’m good any June Wednesday at this point. Will add the movie to the plans.

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Out of town the 14th but am fine either way if people still wanna do that day.

Let’s push it to the 21st!

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@OffTheDole @Double_Bogey_Dave can you please update for June 21?

Oops, will have to miss again. We will be sleeping in Venice at that time.

Looking forward to chatting and connecting again tomorrow!

@mcdonart22 are you able to share a zoom link?

Also some discussion questions if needed!

Summary

*Discussion Questions

  1. Can you relate to the kind of women Eilis is? Why do you think she takes such a passive role in her own life? Why does she go to America? Do you think she really wanted to go?

  2. How is Eilis different from her sister Rose? Why do you think Rose encouraged Eilis to go to America?

  3. Father Flood states “Parts of Brooklyn are just like Ireland. They’re full of Irish”. How similar is Eilis’s hometown, Enniscorthy to her new one, Brooklyn. Do you think her prospects for a future are better in America than they would have been in Ireland?

  4. Discuss how you think she adapts to her new home in America. Describe her relationship with her landlady. What was Father Flood’s role in her life?

  5. Does Tony’s family share similar traits to Eilis’s family in Ireland?

  6. Discuss why after returning to Ireland Eilis responds as she does to her Irish admirer. Do you think she acted out of character?

  7. Discuss the factors that act as a catalyst for Eilis’s emotional growth. Would she be a much different person if she stayed in Ireland?

  8. How do you feel about the decision she made in the end? Do you think it was the right one?

  9. What did you learn about the immigrant’s experience? About life in the 1950’s in Brooklyn and Ireland?

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Ryan McDonald is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Refuge Book Club
Time: Jun 21, 2023 09:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 978 3226 5795
Password: 069865

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I’ve quickly learned that “every Wednesday free” means ‘can be used to book rare family supper time and gathering with relatives with kids home from college.” May have an opportunity to jump on latter half.

Thanks for the questions @Sarah. Made me think about some perspective. My overall arching mindset was the pondering of those big life choices we face. How both options can be very much right AND wrong — and the long term impact they make.

Have a wonderful discussion!!

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For discussion:

https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/enniscorthy

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Hey ya’ll

Sorry I cant join but just an aside my mother is from Enniscorthy and was / is good friends with Colm Tobin. (They grew up beside each other). I spent a lot of time there growing up (a lot of weekends / summers etc.

Local knowledge is not needed to enjoy this wonderful book but if anyone wants some additional context - happy to share!!

  • The characters and places are actually real in a lot of cases.
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