Question 3# Introductions & Expectations

[[deleted user]]

Lib is introduced as a prim English character laden with prejudice against Irish and Catholic people. We learn about Anna O’Donnell through Lib. How does that set up the story for the reader? What kind of expectations did it create, and how did each character (Lib & Anna) meet or break them?

[Ashley]

I was immediately drawn to Lib - having read the description of the book, I also began the novel with skepticism - and therefore felt connected with Lib. I was drawn to her belief in verifiable facts, and science over faith. However, it is through Lib that we are also introduced to Anna and the Irish people, and as a result I also immediately felt opposed to Anna. I thought, who is this young girl perpetrating this lie? Lib is going to reveal the truth! In addition, I couldn't help but think how silly the Irish and Catholic traditions seemed, but that was because they were being described by a character who is skeptical or opposed to them. This was an interesting way to start a book, and I think through my reading, I softened on Anna, and I think Lib softens too.

[Emily]

Ashley wrote: "I was immediately drawn to Lib - having read the description of the book, I also began the novel with skepticism - and therefore felt connected with Lib. I was drawn to her belief in verifiable fac..."

That is so interesting, Ashley, because I felt so annoyed with Lib's superiority that I felt almost TOO protective and defensive of Anna and her family, even though their behaviour was what I would normally consider a little bit superstitious under any other circumstances!

[Dana]

I agree! Lib is annoying with her superiority/distaste for the Irish/Catholics. But seems like that's how Emma wants us to feel, so we can watch her soften up :)

[Ashley]

I was getting the sense that I was in the minority with my connection to Lib. I don't really know why I connected with her right away, perhaps I was reading against the grain. However, I really enjoyed watching the characters change over the course of the story. I was very moved when Lib started doubting herself, and bonding with Anna. I think an important aspect of Lib's character is her motherhood. She has been punished for her perceived "failure" as a mother. As we learn about this, I feel we can see her fear of Anna, but also how this drives her deep desire to keep Anna alive.

[Emily]

Ashley wrote: "I was getting the sense that I was in the minority with my connection to Lib. I don't really know why I connected with her right away, perhaps I was reading against the grain. However, I really enj..."

I completely agree - her relationship with Anna paired with her complicated relationship with motherhood (and the way this relationship is slowly revealed to us) is so interesting to watch unfold.

[Allison]

Dana wrote: "I agree! Lib is annoying with her superiority/distaste for the Irish/Catholics. But seems like that's how Emma wants us to feel, so we can watch her soften up :)"

Dana, I think you are spot on! The author wants us to notice her character soften up...it's part of good storytelling, and so Donoghue makes her unbearably hard and severe early on. While I appreciated Lib's attention to detail in recording Anna's symptoms, I must say I never completely warmed to her ... even in the end, she still seemed a bit unreal to me.

Anna, as a devout little girl, seemed a little too unreal also, until I reached the point in the narrative as to why she was so devout and for what exactly she was seeking atonement.

[Susan]

Ashley wrote: "I was getting the sense that I was in the minority with my connection to Lib. I don't really know why I connected with her right away, perhaps I was reading against the grain. However, I really enj..."
I think I'm in the minority, too, Ashley. I could relate to Lib's feeling that the O'Donnells were somehow fooling everyone and I understood her concern for Anna. I guess I'm sceptical about extreme religious claims, so I would have gone into this situation with as much disbelief as Lib had. I think the fact that Lib is a Nightingale nurse gave her a sense of superiority as well, and given the backwards nature of the village doctor, I think her feelings were justified.