The Gathering

Why does Veronica want to tell Liam’s story by beginning with their grandmother Ada? What is the value in turning to family history to explain an individual within a family?

Why is Veronica resentful of her mother? In your opinion, is this resentment fair or not? Explain your reasoning.

Liam’s death makes Veronica spin into hyper-awareness of the body. What is symbolic about the body? Why does Veronica fixate on bodies, alive and dead?

Analyze how Veronica’s character develops through her journey dealing with grief. What is the novel’s overall message or theme about grief?

Do you think it is fair of Veronica to blame herself for Liam’s death? Explain your reasoning.

Why does Veronica blame Ada for what happens to Liam? In your opinion, is Ada culpable for what happens to Liam? Explain your reasoning.

Veronica is defined by and against her many siblings. Analyze her relationship with at least two of her siblings. How do these siblings influence Veronica’s sense of self? What does this reveal about the novel’s message about family and individuality?

In what ways does the novel allude to Ireland’s history? How do these allusions help bring socio-historical meaning to Veronica’s character development?