Yes, My Darling Daughter

One of our members picked up the July issue of O magazine in hopes of finding the next great read, as our recent book picks had proved disappointing (with the exception of Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, which was well-loved by all). The description of the book Yes, My Darling Daughter by Margaret Leroy was intriguing to us, since we've all been teachers in some capacity over the years. It was basically described as the story of a single mom struggling with her young daughter who has some unique special needs. It is certainly a page-turner, being as much a mystery novel as anything else. This is the only time that our entire 7-member book club has passed a single library book amongst ourselves within the month. Some of the first members to read it deemed Yes, My Darling Daughter a book to read before purchasing, especially in hardcover. After the book completed its circuit, it seemed everyone was in agreement with this opinion. We all breezed through the book and enjoyed a good discussion. But it's worth waiting for the paperback version or checking out from your local library. It's a great read during a busy time, such as back-to-school, when you want a book that grabs your attention and doesn't make you think too hard. With that being said, here is our discussion guide:

1) Sylvie refused to call her mother "Mum." Discuss the reactions of the other mothers in the novel. What was your feeling about her insistance on calling her mother by her first name?

2) Grace has two close friends in the novel. Compare and contrast her friendships with Karen and Lavinia.

3) Sylvie is forced out of her nursery school due to her special needs. Was this an appropriate response by the school? Why or why not?

4) Discuss Grace's response to her daughter's bizarre behaviors. Why was she often fearful of Sylvie? What would you have done in Grace's situation? Would you have gone to talk to Adam Winters? Taken the child to Ireland?

5) The bulk of the novel was focused around the mystery of Sylvie's memories. To what extent were you able to predict each of the revelations. Should the characters in the novel have put the pieces of the puzzle together more quickly? Why or why not?

6) A secondary theme throughout the novel was romance. Discuss the men in Grace's life. What was her attraction to Dominic, Sylvie's father? Adam Winters, the psychologist? Predict the future of Grace's relationship with Adam.

7) The author uses a great deal of description, evoking all of the senses to give a clear image of the neighborhoods, the landscape, and the characters. Share any descriptions that stood out to you that you particularly enjoyed or any that you disliked.

Book Club Menu for Yes, My Darling Daughter:

This was a fun book for thematic food. Anything English or Irish was fitting for this book, but we just love good food, so anything goes. This month's menu included Bailey's with mint and a hint of chocolate (yum!) either on the rocks or in coffee, Irish beef stew, bread and butter, cheese and crackers, grapes, scones, chocolate chip cookies, and Bailey's cheese cake. We should strongly consider the addition of recipes to this blog, don't you think?