Discussion Guide
“We wouldn’t die,” Honora tells her great-granddaughter. The theme of survival as victory informs Galway Bay. What qualities allow a person to triumph over horrific circumstances? Do Honora, Michael, Máire, Granny and others show such characteristics? What motivates them, gives them strength? Have you faced difficulties in your own life that demanded such determination? Have your ancestors struggled through historic calamities? Do you think knowing their stories enhances your life, or do you think the past is past and should be forgotten? Have you looked into your genealogy? If so, how does what you discovered affect you?
The novel opens in the “before times,” when despite hardship and oppression the characters have created a place for themselves where songs, stories, communal celebration, faith and family life can bring happiness. Did you find this portrayal believable? How does the way the Keeley family, Honora and Michael Kelly, Máire and Owen Mulloy compare with the way the landlords and British government regarded them? Do you think there are present-day communities judged differently by the larger society?
Many couples in literature fall in love at first sight, as do Honora and Michael. Do you believe in such instant attraction? Can it lead to long-lasting love? What do you think of the relationship between Honora and Patrick? How would you characterize Máire’s attitude toward men and marriage?
The two main women characters, Honora and Máire, do not conform to the usual stereotype of a 19th Century Irish woman. Do you think this is a strength or weakness of the novel? The two sisters have quite different characteristics and beliefs. Do you think they complement each other or do the differences bring mostly conflict? Honora and Máire’s biggest disagreement comes when their sons enlist in the Civil War. What do you think of each mother’s reaction and the way each chooses to cope with having their sons in combat?
Prayer and ritual play an important part in Galway Bay. What do you think of Honora’s beliefs, of Máire’s? Are there issues raised between them that have relevance to the practice of religion now?
Children have a central role in Galway Bay. What does each one – Paddy, Jamesy, Bridget, Stephen, Michael, Johnny Og, Thomas, Daniel and Gracie – reveal about the effect horrific circumstances have on a child? How do these early experiences mark the children as they become adults?
Galway Bay incorporates characters and incidents from Irish-American history that are not widely known. Were you surprised by people such as James Mulligan and Billy Caldwell, and events such as the Irish units fighting each other in the Civil War and the Fenian Invasion of Canada? Was anything else new to you?
Honora argues against the use of physical force to liberate Ireland. “I want my sons to live for Ireland, not to die for it,” she tells Patrick. He maintains that freedom must be won by armed struggle. What do you think of each one’s position? How are the same issues debated today?
One million Irish people died from starvation and related diseases while food was being exported from the country. How does the novel explore this situation? What do you make of the relief efforts attempted? Do any contemporary situations come to mind? Honora calls the escape of her family and two million more Irish from the Great Starvation “one of the greatest rescues in human history” and says, “We saved ourselves.” What do you think she means? What effect do you think those immigrants and their descendants – now 44 million – have had on the United States? How does their story resonate for present-day immigrants?
Honora takes her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the Irish Villages at the World’s Columbian Exhibition to connect them to a heritage she hasn’t been able to pass down to them. Do you understand her disappointment at the display? Do you think it is possible to connect with the true culture of our ancestors? Is it desirable? Little Agnella’s interest encourages Honora. All will be well. Do you believe one child’s understanding can really make such a difference?
