YES! I can come to your book club discussion. To find out how, read the letter at the bottom of the page!

Discussion Questions for Brigid of Ireland

  1. Were you surprised to learn that in ancient Ireland, being a slave was not the worst possible social condition? How does slavery in that time compare to the slavery in the American 19 th century?

  2. Brigid grew up with Cook as a substitute mother. Why do you think she was not content with that? How did Brigid define family at the beginning of the story? At the end?

  3. When Brigid gained her freedom and was set free why was she afraid? Why do you think that she didn't realize at first that she would be free to find her mother?

  4. Before you read the book, had you heard of druids? Why do you think they were so mysterious? What did you think they were? Did your opinion change after reading the book?

  5. Kings in ancient Ireland were usually chosen by the people they served. How do you think this influenced King Dunlaing's decisions? Why do you think he tolerated an egoistical advisor (Ardan) for so long? Are you surprised at the limit of the kings' power?

  6. The ancient Irish people were very superstitious and fearful. They believed that the people of the underworld could come for them when someone died so they stayed away from the dying; they feared gods and sought to appease them; they believed that words (curses) could harm them. What do you think it was like for a Christian back then trying to convince them otherwise? Do you think an early Irish Christian would still harbor some of those beliefs? Do you think Brigid did?

  7. The ancient Irish people had a sophisticated law system called the Brehon Laws. Did you know about this before reading the book? Did it surprise you to learn that trials were held and people were expected to pay an “honor price” to right their wrongs?

  8. Brigid had a call to help those less fortunate than herself. When she focused on her own desires (finding her mother) her God-given abilities disappeared. Do you see this happening today to people?

  9. Brigid's mother, Brocca, was in some ways more self-sacrificing than Brigid was. The Poet was a quiet servant of God who made some major impacts in the story. There are always unsung heroes. Why do you think Brigid is the one most remembered?

  10. Bram's name is short for Abraham. What did you like about him? Do you think he ever converted to Christianity?

  11. An Irish proverb says: All sins cast long shadows. What do you think that means? How did it apply to Ardan?

  12. Ardan believed that Brigid's weakness was her love for her mother. Do you agree? Have you ever loved something so much that it got in the way of your love for God?

 

 

 

Dear Readers:

Thank you for reading Brigid of Ireland . The book is based on 5 th century legends. Some of the legends are so fanciful that at first glance they couldn't be true. I began to wonder about that and asked myself, what if these legends really happened? What would that look like? How does a saint, one that is revered by people for centuries, become a saint? What trials and lessons must they come through to get to that place? Using the legends and what is known about the historical setting, I wrote Brigid of Ireland to answer those questions, for myself and for you.

If you have a book club and would like me to speak at your meeting, please email me at cindy@brigidofireland.com . If you live too far away, I can come to your meeting via speakerphone. Groups are also welcome to email me questions that can be discussed at meetings.

Wishing you many blessings!

 

© CINDY THOMSON 2006

All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

 

 

 

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