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Last edited by author: Fri September 14, 2007 06:37:03   Edited 1 time.

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• I'm gonna start here but will come back later for the rest. I have an errand to run that involves you Elaine..so you'll forgive me aye? *g* 18-1) No, I never guessed that it was planned until the car stopped way out in the middle of nowhere at the end of the chapter. And I guess I have to take the rest inside..I've rambled again >>>>>>> -- Marilyn (), 07:28:20 09/14/07 Fri
  • An errand that involves me?? I didn't accidentally send you my Costco list, did I? (NT) -- Elaine, 07:41:25 09/14/07 Fri
    • LOL - NO, Thank God, I was just there yesterday :-) (NT) -- Marilyn, 08:11:05 09/14/07 Fri
      • Maybe I have your list, E. I have to go tomorrow, remind me what it was you needed...:) (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:07:45 09/14/07 Fri
        • Ugh!!! Costco on a Saturday??? Are you a closet masochist??? (NT) -- LadyPeggyB, 12:33:44 09/14/07 Fri
          • No, but I have to travel one and a half hours to get there, and I have to drop off books at one of the bookstores in Prince tomorrow, so it's all good. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 13:19:44 09/14/07 Fri
            • I wish you well on your quest. I can't imagine what it would take to get me to a Costco on a Saturday. (NT) -- LadyPeggyB, 21:34:57 09/14/07 Fri
              • It's not that bad here on Saturdays actually. I'm happy because they need the books in the one bookstore up in PG because they SOLD OUT!!! (NT) -- celtgirl, 23:03:01 09/14/07 Fri
                • Whooo Hooooo!!!! You go girl!!!! (NT) -- Carla, 07:34:04 09/15/07 Sat
                • Well that would do it!! YIPPEEEE!!!!!!! (NT) -- LadyPeggyB, 08:14:59 09/15/07 Sat
                • Wooooooooooo Hoooooooooo thats great news! (NT) -- M&M, 13:49:43 09/15/07 Sat
                • YAY Cindy! Wonderful news. (NT) -- Elaine, 16:05:10 09/15/07 Sat
                  • Well damn, that deserves a drink! Congrats to you ! (NT) -- Sheila, 17:46:05 09/15/07 Sat
                • Fantastic news Cindy! (NT) -- Denise, 12:09:17 09/16/07 Sun
        • Adam likes the big box of instant oatmeals, please! (NT) -- Elaine, 12:37:05 09/14/07 Fri

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• (18-1) Of course this was planned, Robin was probably scoping the place out waiting for appropriate targets. (18-2) Why cause such a brawl on home turf? Better to make a mess on enemy grounds. He wouldn't want to get his own people in trouble or hurting so he has stayed away from a Catholic pub. (18-3) I was shocked when the men (really one was just a boy) were murdered in cold blood. I wasn't expecting that at all and I was abhored by the cold brutality of it all. Robin is one cruel b@stard to kill under the guise of friendship. (NT) -- Denise, 07:30:13 09/14/07 Fri
  • I don't think Robin would have found British soldiers in a Catholic pub, did he even want to stay on home turf. Since it was a planned attack, he had to take it there - I'm not really sure if Robin would have an issue with innocent or even his own people getting hurt...necessary casualities is something that probably doesn't bother him. (NT) -- Marilyn, 07:45:21 09/14/07 Fri
    • Of course, British soldiers would be darn foolish to take their supposed rest in a Catholic pub! (NT) -- Denise, 09:54:32 09/14/07 Fri
      • Good point. I'll say my radar was up from the moment they entered the pub (actually, I think I was on tenterhooks reading the whole book). Robin is one twisted puppy, I disliked him instantly, but am glad Cindy let us get to know his life, I had much more sympathy for him by the end of the book...though I'd never want to cross paths with him. (NT) -- LadyPeggyB, 10:45:08 09/14/07 Fri
  • You might all think I'm sick, but I really miss Robin as I work on this third book. I enjoyed his company, so to speak. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:06:33 09/14/07 Fri
    • Sicko, sicko! Really, his musical talents and his early years with Casey held some endearment...but.. (NT) -- Denise, 12:24:13 09/14/07 Fri
      • I just enjoy writing the bad guys, they are always interesting to work with. Robin had a great deal of complexity to him, and so I do miss him for that. (NT) -- celtgirl, 13:27:48 09/14/07 Fri
        • I know actors prefer playing bad guys, probably due to the complexity of the role and looking for that glimmer of goodness in someone bad. Even truly horrid characters must have some quality of merit. It would make sense that an author feels the same and has more room to play with the nastier sorts. (NT) -- Denise, 14:59:08 09/14/07 Fri
        • I really LIKED Robin, most of the time. Yeah okay, I have a much demonstrated *thang* for the bad boys, but Robin seemed more wounded than bad to me. But I do know he was bad, it's just that childhood stuff that makes me want to mend him, or something. Did that make any sense? Anyway, after Lawrence, I couldn't kid myself any more, but I was sad about both sides of that. (NT) -- Lee, 15:00:07 09/14/07 Fri
          • And I know I'm not dealing with the questions here....I swear I'll get some time soon to actually put some thought in...but I am here every day very interested in everyone's thoughts. :) (NT) -- Lee, 15:35:12 09/14/07 Fri

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• (18-4) I was coming to like these characters and was shocked to see them blown off so quickly. I would guess that Cindy is trying to recreate the intensity of the conflict between the Prods and Catholics by allowing us a short, but pleasant, aquaintance with a few Prods, only to see them meet an unfair and untimely demise. (NT) -- Denise, 07:35:02 09/14/07 Fri

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• (19-1) I would venture to guess that Pamela is thinking how different her life would be, or would have been, had she chosen Jamie instead of Casey. Not only would her accomodations be vastly different, but her whole life, including the Boston experience, would be altered. It's not like she doesn't love Jamie, she just loves Casey more and decided to make her life with him. (18-2) Concerning her spirituality, I don't know, she's probably trying to regain it. She's looking for forgiveness, from God and from herself, for her actions in Boston. (NT) -- Denise, 07:41:34 09/14/07 Fri

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• 18: 1-4. Oh, this whole chapter was such a heartbreaker and so well written, Cindy. I felt so strongly for a character (and his family and sweetheart) that I had known for what a few pages? And this is why I read so I can have an idea, a taste of lives I will never live, so that some small article in the newspaper about another gang style killing that I might just pass over with a quick "oh how sad" suddenly becomes very real. Thanks for using your talent for my betterment. It is important to remember the humanity and inhumanity on both sides of every conflict. And as we learn about Robin, we see that its not really the Prods fault that he becomes the twisted person he becomes. I thought this introduction to his character was another piece of fine writing, because even having been privy to it, the author actually got me to like him and sympathise with him through all the other scenes. I just can't say enough Cindy!! (NT) -- susiej, 07:58:55 09/14/07 Fri
  • I have to agree here - Robin was so cruel when we are first introduced to him, but Cindy you had me in tears at the end. He was a tormented man - but no matter what happened to him, its no excuse to behave how he did. The writing really won me over to at least feel sorry for the chap. (NT) -- Lil, 21:47:29 09/14/07 Fri

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• 19- 20. I agree with Denise- how could Pamela not think of how things might have been different particularly after the mess of Boston and yet I was surprised when Jamie asks her and she says she liked Boston fine??? It seemed in that conversation that she sort of resented being back in Belfast (where she is the outsider)- anyone else feel that? I was wondering if one of the problems with her being in Belfast is the fact that she does have to see that sparkling, beautifully ecentric building and the owner it respresents and rehash all her feelings him. I have to say that if I was forced to choose and couldn't have them both (that's what nice about being the reader- I don't have to choose) I might just be a Jamie girl. I always felt he was a bit too old for Pamela, otherwise, I don't know.....and that surprises me because I usually like my men dark. I think what's happened is that all you Colin fans seduced me away from my Jamie with pictures of that fine man! (vbg). (NT) -- susiej, 08:18:08 09/14/07 Fri
  • She only says she 'liked it fine' because she did like the city itself, they are now back in Belfast with Casey's past around them, something that carries many fears for her. Also because it's Maggie she's being circumspect. She can't possibly tell her the truth, or say 'I was miserable there' without having to explain herself. You know how we all say 'good or great' when someone asks us how we're doing, even though we're having an awful day? It's more in the vein of thinking. (NT) -- celtgirl (), 13:46:56 09/14/07 Fri
    • Opening up and dumping the lot is not something you would do in the very first sentence onf a conversation with someone you hadn't seen for two years is it? (NT) -- Sheila, 17:47:49 09/15/07 Sat

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• Ch 18) I have come to expect that the things that seem coincidental are not, so I figured there was more than met the eye. Robin, well I ended this chapter with "he is not to be trusted". These other characters are in here to make a point. I have encountered other authors who do this, and after it is read and finished, to reflect on the story, it certainly drove home ideas and feelings for the ones who are key characters. Ch19) Maybe wondering, what if she had made the decision to wait for Jamie, what if,,,,,,,,,, and I am sure she has missed him ,and is anxious to see him. Pamelas spirituality, well, probably conflicted, wishing for peace in her soul, but certain that she made the right decision. Ch 20 inside>> -- bug, 09:03:40 09/14/07 Fri

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• (20-1) Pamela has come back to Belfast for Casey's sake, not her own. She's not as comfortable there, it's not her world, and perhaps her feelings for Jamie and his close proximity will be more difficult for Pamela to handle than when there was an ocean separating them. (20-2) Jamie has always been well attuned with Pamela. He's perceptive and emotionally aware of her moods and feelings. It doesn't surprise me that he assesses her situation so swiftly and accurately. Of course, the boy can do no wrong in my eyes! (20-3) I don't know enough about architectural styes to answer except to say that Jamie puts his personal stamp or touch on everything he is in contact with. His presence is unmistakable and assured and everthing, everyone feels more 'right' in his presence. I'm just a bit enamoured, huh? (NT) -- Denise, 09:53:03 09/14/07 Fri

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• Chapter 18 Cindy sent me this chapter in an early form shortly after I'd read "Unicorns" and it just about slayed me. To be honest, I couldn't read it again when reading the whole of "Mermaid". For me, questions one and two tie together. I think the melee was planned. The soldiers may have been chosen at random, but the scenario was not, nor was the location. Robin and his boys knew that it was Protestant-owned and therefore would be a hang-out for British soldiers. Q3) I think Robin is a psycho/sociopath. I'm not sure of the exact definition of either, so not sure which one fits him best, but I thought he was FUBAR as a human being. 4) This is really a masterful chapter, because Cindy shows us that many of the men on "the other side" are simply soldiers who've been stationed in Belfast who are doing their best in a horrid situation. They are real people, with real lives and loved ones, just as the members >>> -- Carla, 10:30:35 09/14/07 Fri

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• Chapter 19) Q1. Wondering how to go about reestablishing her relationship with Jamie; knowing he would sense something was wrong and how to explain it, probably afraid for that reason and yet longing for the comfort of both Maggie and Jamie. Q2) I think Pamela is not "conventually" Catholic, in that she had sex before marriage etc., but I do think her "sins" are weighing heavily on her soul and psyche and she's seeking peace through a higher power, or at least an acceptance of what she's done. I don't think the Church as a formal organization meets all of her needs, but she does need guidance from outside herself, and perhaps outside this world. (NT) -- Carla, 10:35:53 09/14/07 Fri

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• Chapter 20) Q1. I think it's the first time that she hasn't felt the need to be in control and in charge in a while. She's been hiding her true state of mind from Casey for so long, here and with Maggie, she can relax that guard, if only for a minute. As for the mood change, I think Pamela is sensitive to the fact that they only left Ireland because of her, and the world of trouble they found in Boston would not have otherwise happened. She probably still does feel like a visitor in Ireland in many ways and she may also take Maggie's question to mean is she moving back to KirkPatrick's Folly, rather than just visiting, because her marriage is over. -- Carla, 10:41:46 09/14/07 Fri

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• ** I'm adopting Maggie's line about Casey as my own: "I'd likely be more than even that laddie was willin' to take on." ;-) I'll adopt this as my reason as to why Colin didn't haul me over the barricade on Tuesday and whisk me off to his hotel ;) (NT) -- Carla, 10:42:36 09/14/07 Fri

  ---

• COMMENT: I was reminded of something while reading the end of Chapter 20. Here Jamie feels uncomfortable and realizes to his annoyance that he feels vulnerable. It reminded me of Jamie Fraser when Claire returns to him after a 20 year absence. He now has something to live for, to care about when nothing really mattered for so long. I think Jamie K. feels the same way when Pamela returns from the US. He was functioning in her absence, probably very well knowing him, but his heart would have been disengaged from it all. He can no longer go through the motions without his emotions becoming involved, now that Pamela has returned to his environs. Pamela may not be his to have and hold, but she needs him as much as he needs her. Did anyone else make that connection? (NT) -- Denise, 10:43:41 09/14/07 Fri
  • I didn't, but now that you mention it..... As to Q19-1, I felt the image of seeing Kirkpatrick's Folly from the window was symbolic of Jamie's role in Pamela (and, yes, Casey's) life, he is always watching over her. Although I would imagine the view was greatly aggrannoying to Casey *g* (NT) -- LadyPeggyB, 10:51:44 09/14/07 Fri
  • I see what your saying Denise and its a good point but I almost felt the opposite. Jamie was having a fun time with a beautiful woman that he liked- Belinda and then Pamela comes back and shows up Belinda for what she is - not Pamela. I'm not saying, I wanted him to marry Belinda but heck the poor guy! To have her around, smell her even touch her but no go....that's so hard on him, and yes I do mean hard! (NT) -- susiej, 11:03:55 09/14/07 Fri
    • Don't doubt that I feel Jamie's pain regarding his unrequited love of Pamela! But now he does feel pain where with Belinda or whoever is waming his bed, he feels no such emotion. I want him to be happy, don't get me wrong, but he doesn't feel the same emotional commitment to other women. (NT) -- Denise, 11:30:53 09/14/07 Fri
      • Oh, I agree, but he did say that he liked Belinda, he felt affection and was having fun- when Pamela comes back that evaporates- yet we know (or think we do) that he'll never have anymore. I guess I just think he cant keep holding her hand, solving her problems and then sending her back to Casey- its not fair for him or for Casey. I know he would rather have that than nothing but its a lonely life come nighttime. Cindy- are you going do something for our Jamie here?????????? Do you have another remarkable women hidden in your pen? (NT) -- susiej, 13:01:48 09/14/07 Fri
        • All the reasons that you pointed out, Susie, are why he leaves at the end of the book. He knows what's going on isn't fair to any of them and so he leaves, because he doesn't see it ending unless he takes himself away from her. I have plans for Jamie, no worries there. :) In fact in the first scene in which he appears in the third book, he's wearing a ring and that's about it. ;) (NT) -- celtgirl (), 13:24:01 09/14/07 Fri
          • Ugh, how can you do this to us, leaving us with this very important detail and nothing more?? You really are a sweet little sadist. (NT) -- Elaine, 14:42:55 09/14/07 Fri
          • OK where's the catch?? (NT) -- Denise, 14:53:48 09/14/07 Fri
          • You are just evil, woman! (NT) -- Lee, 15:02:57 09/14/07 Fri
          • Oh Oh and I've got the matching ring! Hahahahaaaaa (NT) -- Tracy, 17:26:35 09/14/07 Fri
          • No catch- the man has to have sex occasionally, so perhaps this time we'll actually catch him on the page. ;) (NT) -- celtgirl, 17:53:16 09/14/07 Fri
            • Having sex and having a ring on one's finger (left hand?) are not the same thing! (NT) -- Denise, 18:06:54 09/14/07 Fri
              • Denise>>> -- celtgirl, 18:29:09 09/14/07 Fri
                • LOL it takes me a minute...no, it's not a wedding ring, at least not at the beginning of the book... (NT) -- celtgirl, 18:40:42 09/14/07 Fri
                  • I found a mermaid ring: (NT) -- LadyPeggyB, 19:44:22 09/14/07 Fri
                    • That is a beautiful ring, where'd you find it Peggy? (NT) -- celtgirl, 22:59:03 09/14/07 Fri
                  • Ok I'm gonna reach out here ,and guess that when Pamela finds out he is getting quite serious with someone else, she ain't gonna like it. He is hers, even if they can't have each other. Yet she will want him to be happy,,,,,, oh what a wicked web you have weaved Cindy. (NT) -- bug, 12:25:40 09/15/07 Sat
                • You'd be finding yourself in serious trouble if it were otherwise *g*!>>> -- Denise, 19:02:06 09/14/07 Fri

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• Wonderful and thoughtful answers Shammies. 19.1 I was considering that Pamela was likely trying to reconcile how to live with the two men in her life peacefully and how, if any way, could they do more than just tolerate each other or would things between Casey and Jamie always be as they were before the departure. (NT) -- Tracy, 17:35:04 09/14/07 Fri
  • I've been wandering in and out all day - but this is along the same line train of thought I was having too Tracy. I didn't get the impression that she was wondering 'what if' or even reminicsing (sp?) but more like preparing herself and wondering how it's gonna go (she knows she'll have to go talk to and see him soon). I also thought that maybe she was leary of doing so because she'd have a hard time hiding things from Jamie, all the stuff that happened in Boston - he'd want to know why they were back yea. (NT) -- Marilyn, 20:19:13 09/14/07 Fri

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• 19-2) Ahhhh her spirituality - it's still there I think. She may be a bit lost what with all the guilt she's feeling, but I think if you have it you have, somtimes you misplace it and need to find it again. She may question and even think she doesn't deserve the ear of the powers that be for herself...but you can't help trying especially for the ones you love. (NT) -- Marilyn, 20:39:57 09/14/07 Fri

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• You all have covered these questions really well...I don't think I have much to add. But I wanted to take on 20-3 inside >>> -- Lil, 21:44:13 09/14/07 Fri
  • As Casey might say, you're fockin' brilliant, luv. That is a great summing up (if such a thing is possible) of Jamie. (NT) -- Carla, 07:44:32 09/15/07 Sat
    • *blush* thanks Carla...I would love to hear Casey say that to me! But you have to thank Elaine for the question....she's the real brilliant one! (NT) -- Lil, 10:13:00 09/15/07 Sat
      • I didn't really respond to that one because I was just to busy to look em up. Thanks for doing that, and that reply Lil. Now I see the difference. (NT) -- bug, 12:23:31 09/15/07 Sat
      • Ha! Hardly brilliant, Lil, not by a long shot. I loved your answer, it was masterfully thought out. You beautifully put into words what was sort of floating around in my head about Jamie and the distinct styles of architecture and design. He is just so damned complex it's impossible to box the man in. You really nailed it, Lil. Thanks for taking on the challenge! (NT) -- Elaine, 14:30:15 09/15/07 Sat
      • Excellent thinking Lil! (NT) -- Denise, 12:08:05 09/16/07 Sun