Saints for All Occasions

Questions About Saints for All Occasions

by J. Courtney Sullivan (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (4)

I enjoyed reading about the migration from Ireland to Dorchester to Hull after having lived in Boston for about ten years. It's true that Irish-Americans identify themselves more as Irish than American. I saw my Italian heritage in the same way until I went to Italy and realized that I am American. I'm wondering, did anyone see Nora as selfish throughout the novel?
Susan Nora definitely had that Irish thing where they bury their feelings because they don't think any good can come of it. This made her seem cold and unfe…moreNora definitely had that Irish thing where they bury their feelings because they don't think any good can come of it. This made her seem cold and unfeeling at times. But I didn't see her as selfish. She lived a life of tradition and obligation because she knew no other way. Ironically, I think Theresa was far happier and more in touch with the outside world than Nora ever was. (less)
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Was it ever revealed why Patrick was so upset the night of his crash?
Suzanne L. Part of it has to do with how Rory the politician was made to seem such a great person in the news article which Patrick's brother John was instrument…morePart of it has to do with how Rory the politician was made to seem such a great person in the news article which Patrick's brother John was instrumental in having published. Patrick knew that Rory was one of the people attacking his friend, and thus not a nice person at all... which is why Patrick had to fight them all off his friend with the broomstick anyway. So many things Patrick had to hold inside (the evil priest at his school, being expelled, the boys attacking his friend and his retaliation) all building up inside him and this newspaper article was a reminder. (less)
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Did Nora's children know ever in the book that Patrick was Theres's som?
Joyce No she never told them
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What does Saints for all Occasions mean?
Carol Nora & Theresa's grandmother collected prayer cards & kept them in a box labeled "Saints for All Occasions", which came into Nora's possession. …moreNora & Theresa's grandmother collected prayer cards & kept them in a box labeled "Saints for All Occasions", which came into Nora's possession. (less)
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Unanswered Questions (2)

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