Graduating can be bittersweet especially for parents. What do you think of Cora feeling at ease about Bear relying on her financially? Do you think this worry comes from the abuse she endured under Gordon? Or do you think this doubt is from the fact that her work has always been blue/pink collar?
In this first chapter, Bear asks his mother if his father would’ve been a different person if his grandfather was different. Cora answers yes. What do you think of this? Do you agree? Why?
Why do you think Cora didn’t tell Bear why Gordon attacked her all those years ago? Do you think it was to spare Bear or to spare herself?
The last time we read the name Lily, something terrible and unforgiveable had happened to her. What do you think of Bear’s relationship with her? Do you think they are inevitable?
What do you think of Lily and Bear agreeing to wait but neither really doing so? Do you think it was fair of them to promise to wait?
What do you think Maia’s reaction to her near run in with Gordon Snr? What do you think of her suggesting that he would be disgusted by her? Would he be disgusted by her lack of medical degree? Or disgusted in who she chooses to love?
Do you think Julian hoped to always be by Cian’s side? Creating his pieces, eventually taking over from Cian?
Do you think Julian feels betrayed by his own mind because he remembers more of his father than he does of his mother?
What do you think of Orla and how she introduced herself to Julian?
We see a glimpse of who Maia has become with Julian as her brother. What do you think of her not having left her grandmother?
Do you think Orla finding herself at the studios is mere coincidence? What sort of jewelry piece would you like to have made for you?
Would you do what Maia is doing? Try and fill your life with the things that a loved one might have missed out on?
What do you think of Maia signing up to study homeopathy?
What do you think Gordon Jnr’s grandfather meant by “It’ll always be pearls before swine with you”? What do you think the pearls are in this case?
What do you make of Cora having still stayed despite her relationship to both Gordons?
How did you feel about finding out, like Cora, that Silbhe had died? What do you think of this being the catalyst for Cora going to seek help?
What do you think of Maia’s reaction to the news. Do you think Della is right in being wary of Maia?
12 responses to “The Names – Day Four”
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I definitely think that Gordon senior would have been a totally different person had his own father been a better father.
Cora didn’t tell Bear why Gordon attacked her years ago, so that he wouldn’t bear the guilt of his own name Bear, so that he wouldn’t feel responsible for the choice that Cora made that day.
I think that Bear loves Lily, even though at the time he hadn’t made a commitment to her yet. Yes they are inevitable.
I think Bear needed to follow his dreams and his career path first before he could fully commit to Lily. With young love, you always think that it will last forever. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t. Life happens and sometimes circumstances separates you and sometimes it pulls you towards each other again.
Maia was absolutely terrified to see her father again. Seeing him again brings back so much trauma-filled memories. She thinks that he will be disgusted by who she chooses to love.
I think Julian always wanted to be by Cian’s side, but Cian saw his potential and encouraged him to expand his brand.
I think Julian was affected by the trauma that happened to Cora and Maia and that’s why he feels like he will become like his father.
Orla is spunky, confident, bubbly.
I think Maia has not left her grandmother as a way of staying connected to her mother and her grandmother’s house is a safe haven for her.
No coincidence that Orla is at the studio. A jewelry piece that I would love is a necklace with my birthstone.
I think Maia would be more fulfilled if she lived her own life and not in Cora’s shadow on what she missed out on.
If homeopathy is Maia’s passion then that is what she should do.
I think that Gordon’s grandfather thinks that Gordon junior is wasting his life in Banking.
I think Cora has been so trapped in her marriage for many years, she doesn’t know how else to live. She loves her son and being his mother isn’t something his father can take away from her.
My heart just broke for Cora. What a heart-breakingly sad way to find out about her mother’s death. Not even the fear of Gordon could stop her from wanting to seek help.
I don’t blame Della. She could be thinking that Maia could possibly betray Cora and let Gordon know where Cora is.
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I think her feeling at ease about Bear relying on her financially every now and then is more about being comfortable knowing that she’s a source of safety and reliability for her son than anything to do with her lack of financial freedom when she was Gordon.
I agree. Much like the expectations and legacy passed down from Gordon to Gordon to Gordon, I’m sure Gordon’s behaviour and life would’ve been different if he’d had a good dad/ better example to model his behaviour an attitudes towards the world off of.
I think it was to spare Bear and not so much herself. Her son has grown up relatively happy, sociable and safe. He already worries he might have inherited similarities with his father, so she probably doesn’t want to add to his turmoil by confirming his suspicions that his name was what set their lives/ future into motion. She probably doesn’t want him to feel guilty over what happened to Vihaan and his mom the same way she does.
The same way Bear/Julian/Gordon are different people, I’m choosing to view the different versions of Lily as different people too. I think Lily being an important person in Bear/Gordon’s life is inevitable, but unlike in Gordon’s case, I think that’s the case for Bear’s Lily. Yes, their relationship is more loosely defined, but they seem to have a lot of affection for each other (a nice 180 from the Gordon chapter with Lily’s assault).
I think that they think they’re inevitable, and have a mutual understanding that being with other people in the meantime is okay. Lily isn’t threatened by the girls he mentions and doesn’t feel the need to mention anyone to Bear. If they weren’t an important and valuable part of each other’s lives, they wouldn’t continue to keep in contact as much and often as they do.
I think her immediate flight response was heartbreaking to read. Her unexpected encounter with Gordon was a reminder that even though this family is free of him, the threat of him is always around the corner. I think her father would be disgusted by both, actually, because it probably doesn’t fit with the image of his daughter and his legacy that a man like him wants.
Definitely. He’s comfortable around Cian and probably thought he would work under him and take over. Julian seems to value maintaining his comfort zones and the safety that comes with them, and working in Cian’s studio is definitely one of these comfort zones. I’m sure he wasn’t expecting the not-so-subtle suggestion that it’s time to move on/ broaden his professional horizons.
He probably feels betrayed by how fuzzy his memories of his mom are. He remembers in bits and pieces but not the whole picture. Unfortunately we have a tendency to remember moments with high emotions attached to them, so I’m sure living in constant fear when his father was around was a contributing factor to him remembering Gordon and his voice clearer than he remembers those peaceful moments with Cora.
I was half expecting Lily to pop up again (so we can go 3 for 3 and see if they really are inevitable) but Orla is so nice! I liked her attempts at bringing Julian out of his shell. She’s so charming. I just wish Julian hadn’t gotten in his head about starting things with her.
Once again, I think Maia is stuck. But unlike the previous Julian chapter, she’s not content with being stuck anymore. She even seems to resent herself for it. She still seems to be unable to connect with Julian and stuck between moving on with her life and holding onto the memories of her mom.
There’s no such thing a coincidence, especially in books! I love necklaces and bracelets, so either one would be fine with me. For a necklace, I’d like a locket with my sister’s portrait inside. For a bracelet, I’d like a jade charm dangling off it.
I thought that was really interesting. With Bear/Julian/Gordon, and even Cora, there are different paths his life goes down (making you have the illusion that these timelines aren’t connected and exist in different futures, making them different characters). Then there’s Maia who’s choice of profession and sexuality makes you think some things are inevitable.
If I’m being completely honest, I have no clue what he meant, just that he doesn’t think Gordon jnr’s profession is something to brag about (despite it sounding like Gordon jnr is excellent at his job).
I’m not surprised. She said she was going to stay until her children were financially stable enough to leave, but it’s been seven years and anything could’ve happened in that time that increased Gordon’s control over her movements and freedom.
It was a messed up way to find out that information. I think being confronted with the fact that Gordon only cares about his control over Cora to the point where he won’t inform her about her mom dying because it gives her access to money that threatens that control… Something that cruel probably was her last straw. I’m glad it snapped Cora out of her subservient stupor enough to escape from her horrible husband.
I was actually surprised and disappointed in Maia’s reaction. Compared to the teenager that was advocating for her mom’s freedom, Maia choosing her father’s side and admitting to herself that she’s an accomplice in her mom’s abuse was not on my bingo card. So no, I don’t blame Della at all. Her primary concern was for Cora’s safety and Maia’s reaction to the news of Cora’s escape was something that raised even my alarm bells.
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I think Cora is at ease because she can actually be there for her son. It’s something she can control.
Gordon Snr’s father probably treated him badly and unfortunately the cycle continues with each generation. He would’ve been a better father to Gordon jnr if he had a better role model himself.
I think she mostly wanted to spare Bear from the guilt of knowing that his name was the reason another man lost his life. She knew what knowing this would do to her son.
Lily and Bear seem to have a good, healthy relationship and I think it was inevitable that they’d end up together. Their love for each other started in high school already.
I think it was a promise that they both intended to keep but practically speaking when you’re both leading separate lives can just be impossible to keep.
I think her reaction to seeing Gordon Snr was expected. She experienced all the trauma again. She felt he would be ashamed of who she chose to love I feel like.
Yes, it felt like Julian was reluctant to leave Cian but Cian wanted him to become more independent.
Yes I do think Julian feels that way but it’s because he focused on his father’s behaviour knowing he didn’t want to be the same kind of man.
I really like Orla and feel like she’s a breath of fresh air.
I feel like Maia stayed with her grandmother mostly as a comfort thing due to the trauma she experienced.
I don’t think it was a coincidence that Orla was at the studio. I’d want a ring that had a meaningful design with beautiful stones that I love.
I might do some things that I thought my mom would’ve loved to have done as a way of honouring her but I wouldn’t have wanted that to be the sole focus of my life. Cora would’ve wanted Maia to be her own person and to live her own life.
It makes sense that Maia would go into homeopathy as a way to be a helper to others.
I think Gordon jnr’s grandfather meant that he was more focused on the money and glamour of his job then actually doing something meaningful. He clearly didn’t approve of his grandson’s career choice.
It feels like Cora is resigned to the life she has with both Gordon’s and doesn’t know how to escape it. All she can do is try to be there for her son.
This incident was shocking to me! I couldn’t get over that fact that he hid her mother’s death from her in order for her not to claim her inheritance. His control over Cora knows no bounds. I could totally understand why this eventually forced her to leave and seek help.
Maia’s reaction here was disappointing to me. Della was right to feel wary of Maia, she should’ve been immediately more supportive of her mother and shouldn’t have hesitated to backup up Cora’s story.
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1. I think her feeling of ease comes more from still feeling needed. She’s happy to be a source of support and security for Bear, especially after everything they’ve been through.
2. I do think Gordon Sr would have been a different person if he’d had a better father. I truly believe a person’s identity is at least partly shaped by their caretakers, especially in their early years.
3. I think she wanted to spare Bear the guilt and pain. He had a much safer, more loving childhood, and I think she didn’t want to taint that by telling him the full truth.
4. I think Lily and Bear have a strong connection that will keep pulling them together. No matter what happens in their lives, I believe they’re meant to end up together.
5. I think at that age, it’s easy to make promises without fully understanding what they mean. They meant it at the time, but I think both needed to live a little more and experience life before committing fully.
6. That scene was filled with anxiety. Maia’s fear was so real it came through the page. I think Gordon Sr would absolutely be disgusted by both her not finishing her medical degree and her choice in who she loves, simply because he needs control over everything.
7. Yes, I think Julian hoped to stay by Cian’s side and eventually take over. He clearly felt safe with Cian and maybe even saw him as a father figure.
8. Yes, I think he feels like he’s betraying his mother in a way. He probably hates that he remembers more about his father than he does about her and feels guilty for it.
9. I like Orla. She seems kind and open, and I think her energy will help Julian come out of his shell and start building trust again.
10. I feel sad for Maia. She’s stuck in her comfort zone and it feels like she’s convinced herself it’s too late to start fresh or live fully for herself.
11. I don’t think it was a coincidence. As for the jewelry, I’ve always been obsessed with rings. I would love a custom made Victorian gothic style garnet ring.
12. I’d like to think I would live my own life, but it’s hard to say unless you’ve been through something like that. Everyone reacts differently to loss and grief.
13. I’m really glad she’s doing it. It’s the first time it feels like Maia is choosing something for herself and following what she actually wants.
14. I think the pearls are Gordon Jnr’s intelligence, creativity, and unique way of thinking. They’re the things that bring him joy and purpose. But to his grandfather, those things are worthless because they don’t fit into his rigid view of success.
15. I think fear plays a huge part. Cora would have done anything to protect her kids, even if that meant staying in a harmful situation for years.
16. It was a real shock. Finding out that way must have broken something in Cora. I think it pushed her to finally ask for help because the loss made everything feel more real and urgent.
17. I was really disappointed in Maia’s reaction. It felt cold and detached. I completely understand why Della would be wary of her after that. -
I think it makes complete sense for a mom to want her child to rely on her – she wants to be needed. Once that reliance on her is gone, it means she is no longer his provider and he is independent. I
Yes I one hundred percent agree Gordon Snr’s dad is the reason he became who he is. A person does not just become evil, it is a seed that is planted and then grown over years of development.
I think she is trying to protect Bear and maintain his innocence and belief in the good in people. She didn’t want him to feel responsible for what his father did to her.
I don’t think Lily and Bear are inevitable – I am interested to see how their story unfolds.
I think they both had every intention of waiting for each other but were not really being honest with themselves about where they were at. The fact that they then couldn’t wait for each other proves that they were not open with each other about their feelings.
I was very worried for Maia when she saw her dad – I would have been scared too. Her reaction just shows how much trauma she carries. I think he would have been ashamed at her being gay. That does not fit into his idea of how to live your life.
I think anybody yearns for connection, so I think Julian was just in a comfort zone with Cian and would have eventually felt the need to get out of it and have more interactions.
Yes I agree that Julian must feel betrayed by his mind recalling his father more – I am sure he would love to have more vivid memories of his mother and forget his father.
I loved seeing someone show interest in Julian. I think she was being very brave to approach him, because be seems like he could be quite unapproachable due to how socially awkward he was.
I think Maia stopped dreaming to try and protect herself from being disappointed in life. Maybe she also stuck with her grandmother as a way of making up for the fact that she couldn’t protect her mom.
Yes I think Orla was at the studios coincidentally and her and Julian just happened to meet. I would love an eternity ring to go with my wedding ring.
I honestly don’t know how I would respond in Maia’s shoes, but her response makes sense, because I think she has a type of survivors guilt.
I was happy to see her start dreaming and striving for her future again – I want for her to have a beautiful life.
I actually had no clue what this saying meant.
She stayed with her husband as a way to protect her kids and as a mom, you will always stick with your child no matter what.
It was heartbreaking and shocking that Cora had to find out about her mom in this way. She never had much contact with her mom and now she never will. I am so glad that even on her death, Silbhe is helping Cora.
I don’t like this version of Maia and that she questioned whether the situation was true – it makes sense that Della would be wary of her due to that. It sounds like her loyalties might be with her father.
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1) I think that Cora is happy to feel needed and the fact that Bear feels safe with her gives her a sense of accomplishment and worth. She was worried that maybe he will not need her as he gets older but being needed (even for financial support) gives her purpose. I think that her worry stems both from her trauma with Gordon and her concern for not being enough for her children growing up.
2) I honestly believe that Gordon Snr would have been a different man if his father had raised him with love and affection and been a better role model to him.
3) Cora didn’t tell Bear because she didn’t want to burden him with the guilt of what his name set in motion and how it changed the trajectory of all their lives. She did it to spare Bears feelings so that he wouldn’t blame himself.
4) I think that Bear loves Lily but he’s afraid of commitment. I believe strongly in “the invisible string theory”; which basically means that if two people are destined to be in each others lives they will. So yes they were inevitable.
5) I think that they both had their reasons in the beginning but they were young. They both needed to live and experience life apart and sometimes that means promises won’t be kept. Young love doesn’t not follow a set of rules.
6) I think Maia is still very traumatised and scared so her reaction is valid. He would definitely be disgusted by her choice of love/life partner. He is a proud man who likes to keep up appearances.
7) Yes, Julian felt safe with Cian and had he not been pushed he never would have left his side. I’m glad that Cian saw that he was capable of so much more.
8) Yes I do. Childhood trauma is very difficult to deal with; and because of that trauma Julian remembers more of his father and the trauma instead of his mother.
9) I think Orla is happy, confident, outgoing and maybe a little forward.
10) I think Maia is scared to venture out on her own or be independent; and being with her grandmother is the safest environment for her. She is also her closet link to her mother apart from her brother.
11) I don’t think Orla being at the studio is a coincidence. I think she got tired of waiting for Julian to make the first move and took the initiative to do so herself. I would love a gold anklet with charms on it.
12) No, I would not do what Maia is doing. She is too scared to live her life for herself so she’s living it for her mother. She needs to find joy and fulfilment in her life by doing what she wants to do.
13) Maia has a need to help and feel needed so homeopathy fills that void.
14) I honestly did not understand the exact phrase but I understood the implication, which from my understanding is that Gordon had the opportunity and resources to be a great surgeon but decided to go into banking instead. Instead of applying himself and striving for greatness (being a surgeon), he took the “easy” route and became a banker.
15) I think that Cora had a bit of Stockholm syndrome. She was so traumatized and abused she didn’t envision life any other way. My heart broke for her in every chapter of hers that I read.
16) I honestly wanted to throw the book against a wall! I was simultaneously enraged and devastated.How much more can Cora go through in this novel?! I applaud Florence Knapp for eliciting these raw emotions in me. For Cora, this was the straw that broke the camels back. Even her fear of punishment could not stop her from trying to get help.
17) Maias reaction to the news really disappointed me. I expected so much more from her. Yes I do think Adele is right to be weary. I loved that because it showed me that for the first time in the entire novel someone put Cora first.
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I think a combination of both.
I think intergenerational trauma is real and Cora is signalling to that. I think she does not tell Bear because she thinks it will cause him pain that is unnecessary – it was not his fault, or any of their faults.
Im happy that Bear and Lily ended up together even though he perhaps was somewhat selfish early on in his career.
Maia’s reaction to seeing her father was totally normal due to the circumstances.
I like Orla’s character!
It is quite sad in this timeline to see that Maia has not been able to follow a career of her own.
Its heartbreaking that Cora has stayed on, and it just reflects how difficult it is for women to leave abusive homes.
The fact that Gordan Snr hid her mother’s death is totally unforgivable to me and hopefully signals the end of their relationship.
I think Maia’s reaction and her guilt are totally normal considering her history and certainly, Della has to be cautious as all helpers need to do in the case of domestic abuse.
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1) I think it’s a little bit of both aspects, to be honest (the doubt, I mean). But I think she is comforted by the fact that her children, especially Bear, can rely on her.
2) Yes – I completely agree. I think his harshness stems from his father’s critique of every decision he has made, and he does everything he can to prove his father wrong. We’ve seen throughout the book how nature vs. nurture impacts someone’s behaviour and personality – like Gordon Jnr for example.
3) I think Cora didn’t tell Bear why Gordon got so angry because she didn’t want Bear to have to “carry the burden” or make it seem like it was his fault. Cora doesn’t seem like the type of person who would “spare herself” – she has only ever done what she’s done for her kids.
4) I think it is inevitable that they will not be together – but maybe I’m wrong. His relationship with her is caring and respectful, but it’s still not enough for him to stay or ask her to go with him.
5) When you’re young you make these promises – to wait for the other person – without knowing what that really means. It’s not fair, because the promise will always be in the back of their minds.
6) Her reaction is understandable – because of all that happened before he went to prison. Unfortunately, she thinks he would be disgusted in who she has chosen to love. Going against his “traditional” ways.
7) I’m not sure what Julian had hoped – I think he is not a fan of change and just wanted to quietly do his thing.
8) Not at all – his father’s presence was a dark cloud that tainted a lot, it is understandable he would remember more of him than his mother. It’s sad though.
9) I think Orla is very sweet and could be really good for Julian. It looks like she can sense his shy nature so the way she introduced herself wasn’t bad at all.
10) I feel so sorry for Maia in this timeline – she’s been too scared to leave, too stuck in the past, wanting to protect them, I guess.
11) I don’t think it’s a coincidence – maybe she went to go check on Julian. I would love a necklace or a ring to be made for me – so I can carry a piece of the person who made it for me, with me.
12) I think I would do the same – trying to live for someone who couldn’t live for themselves. Maybe it’s a way of grieving.
13) It’s great! She will be helping people, which is inherently part of who she is, in a way that’s different to how her father helped people (or Maia in the Gordon timeline)
14) I actually have no idea and that line confused me… upon a further google search, I guess he was talking about the wasted potential with Gordon Jnr going into something other than medicine. Or just because he quickly downed the whiskey.
15) I guess Cora didn’t know any better – after her whole purpose was protecting her kids, she’s lost that purpose and lost herself. Being completely shut out from the world also doesn’t help.
16) Absolutely disgusted – he really doesn’t care about her as a human being. She’s just a thing he can control. It’s terrible, but it needed to happen. She needed to have a catalyst so huge to make her seek help.
17) Yes – I think Della is right in being wary of Maia – I feel that Maia knew exactly what was going on and still didn’t help. Didn’t reach out. Didn’t check in on her mom. -
Navigating the moment Bear graduates, Cora seems quietly comforted by his dependence on her — not because she doubts his abilities, but because it gives her a continued sense of purpose. After enduring Gordon Sr’s abuse and working physically demanding jobs, providing for Bear becomes something she can still control, a form of emotional stability in a life that has often felt unpredictable.
When Bear questions whether his father might have turned out differently had his own upbringing been better, Cora’s answer feels deeply rooted in experience. I agree with her — the way we’re raised shapes so much of our wiring. It’s hard not to imagine that, with a more nurturing parent, Gordon Sr. might have been less volatile.
Cora’s choice to keep the truth about the attack from Bear strikes me as protective. She wanted to preserve his emotional clarity and shield him from the burden of knowing the role he unknowingly played in a tragedy. It’s the kind of silence that speaks to love, even though it carries its own weight.
Lily and Bear’s connection feels powerful, built on history and mutual understanding. While some might say their path together is destined, I think it’s more accurate to say they’re bound by shared emotion rather than inevitability. Their decision to wait for one another, despite not holding onto it, reflects how human and messy love can be — full of promise, but complicated by growth and distance.
Maia’s near run-in with Gordon Sr. is jarring, and her belief that he’d be ashamed of her — both for her academic choices and whom she loves — speaks volumes about the legacy of his cruelty. Trauma doesn’t just shape who you are; it alters who you believe you’re allowed to be. That moment showed how deeply she still carries the emotional debris of her past.
Julian’s bond with Cian is touching — he clearly found a sense of belonging in the workshop, and I imagine part of him dreamed of carrying on Cian’s legacy. But when it comes to memories of his parents, it’s heartbreaking that he recalls more of his father than his mother. That imbalance feels like a betrayal by his own mind, especially given how much he’s tried to distance himself from his father’s shadow.
Orla’s entrance felt like fresh air in a room that’s been closed too long. She showed genuine interest in Julian, and her approach — gentle yet brave — was exactly what he needed to inch out of isolation. Whether her arrival at the studio was chance or fate, it brought a welcome shift.
Maia staying with her grandmother seems driven more by emotional safety than obligation. Her life has been marked by abandonment and loss, and remaining in that familiar space may have been her way of anchoring herself against further disappointment. I think she’s been trying to fill her days with meaning, almost as if doing what her mother couldn’t is a way of honouring her. But there’s a fine line between remembrance and self-erasure.
Her decision to pursue homeopathy felt like the first autonomous step she’s taken in a long time — a quiet but profound choice to become someone who heals, in contrast to the damage her father inflicted. It’s her reclaiming medicine on her own terms.
The phrase “pearls before swine” used by Gordon Jnr’s grandfather felt cruel. I think he saw Gordon’s intellect and individuality as wasted potential because they didn’t align with traditional ambition — a devastating dismissal of creativity and authenticity.As for Cora remaining with both Gordons for as long as she did — I believe fear and duty played major roles. Her priority was always her child’s safety, and escaping isn’t always as simple as walking away. Discovering Silbhe had died was the final straw, the shock that shattered her tolerance and prompted her to seek help. That level of control and deceit from Gordon was staggering.
Maia’s reaction to the news was unexpected and, frankly, troubling. Her detachment felt like self-preservation gone numb, and I understand Della’s hesitation. Trust, especially within strained family dynamics, isn’t easily given — nor is it easily earned.
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I 💯 think that if his grandfather wasn’t the an he was Gordon snr. would not be the man he is. We are the product of our parents but also our environment.
I think she did it for them both. It’s embarrassing to admit that to your children and also she didn’t want him to think am I going to turn out like him all the time.
I really like this version of Bear and Lily. It feels that their coming together is inevitable but I also think it’s to show a different alternative for Bear v Gordon. There are stories within stories and layers upon layers in the book.
That near run in was wild. I was on the edge of my seat. I think she thinks his disgust would come from her choice of lover. Perhaps he would take it personally, that his example put her off men entirely.
It’s hard to say, I think Julian wants desperately to know what a father is. I think he has a real attachment to Cian and has the memories of his father over his mum for this exact reason.
I like Orla and I don’t think it was a coincidence that she was there.
I think Maia stays to feel close to her mum. I think I would fill my life with the same to keep them alive.
I think it’s in relation to his profession in finance. Perhaps he’s saying it’ll never be fulfilling because in finance more is never enough and you’re chasing something you’ll never actually get.
Can we just take a moment to appreciate how wild that whole thing was!? God bless the vet because WILD! How do you even do that?? Gordon is unhinged. Like needs Jesus yesterday unhinged.
I think Maia was disappointed with her own reaction, enough that I don’t have to relay my own.
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1. I think it’s a unique feeling for her to be relied on for her finances, given she had no freedom when she was married and she relied on Gordon.
2. Yes, he would have, even children raised differently by the same parents have different outlooks and outcomes. How one treats and raises your child matters.
3. Maybe a bit of both, she blamed herself and was worried he’d take it upon himself.
4. The cross overs of the characters is very interesting, and it’s so odd how she has a place in what turns out to be all 3 versions of him.
6. I think her fear and feelings are 100% valid, I think knowing the kind of character he was he would have been disappointed by her lack of medical degree and “disgusted” (i don’t like this word in reference to her choices) by her life choices.
7. I think he liked having a mentor and father/grandfather figure and enjoyed having him in his life and work space.
8. I’m not sure but sometimes bad memories have a stronger hold and presence in ones mind, so it’s not surprising.
9. I liked her, and she may have been a bit forward, but being assertive is not a bad thing.
10. I think she was afraid to move one, get her own life and leaving her past completely.
11. No, no coincidence, she knew 😉 I would want something in silver or rose gold, but I’d leave it up to the creator.
12. I don’t know, I feel that if it was a shared goal then yes it’s good, but living someone else’s life as a sense of duty or regret is not good.
13. I love it, she was following a path she chose, choosing herself.
15. She didn’t feel like she had a choice, or anywhere to go, she’d been made to be so dependent on him, questioning herself and her every thought that she didn’t think she’d be okay without him.
16. I was devastated for her, the fact that he controlled so much. I feel like it was fate the postie handed her the post, he was her first angel, the vet the second.
17. I didn’t like his version of her, I felt she was controlled by her father and brainwashed.
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1. Yes, I believe that children are shaped and influenced by the adults around them, and if Gordon had a better father, he might have been a better person.
2. I think a bit of both. She didn’t want him to feel guilty over her standing up for him by changing his name and something that wasn’t in his control.
3. I think it is inevitable that they will end up together.
4. I think they both, at the time, fully intend to keep that promise, but when you live separate lives, it’s hard to fully commit to that promise without half living your life.
5. She was scared to see her father again. She has so much trauma from her parents relationship, especially her father, that it isn’t a surprise that he triggers this trauma response in her. She feels he will be disgusted by who she chooses to love.
6. I think Julian feels comfortable with Cian and hopes to take over from Cian in the future.
7. He possibly feels like he’s hurting or betraying his mother by remembering more of his father. We tend to more easily remember all the bad and negative moments in our lives compared to the happy moments; this is why Julian possibly is able to better remember his father.
8. I love Orla. She’s outgoing and bubbly, and definitely what Julian needs to branch out more.
9. Her grandmother was her only safe space for a while, and she may not be ready to give that up or that connection to her family/mother.
10. Im not sure. A moonstone ring or earrings would be gorgeous.
11. Personally, yes, I would. I would want to feel that connection to them again by doing what they loved and learning why they loved it.
12. It’s good to see she knows what she wants and is going for it.
13. This line did confuse me a little, but from the tone, I think it means Gordon Sr. believes that he is wasting his life and potential on things that he views as ‘useless’.
14. Cora seems to have given up on the possibility that she can get away from Gordon without losing her children. She will stay in this abusive situation as long as she can protect her children.
15. I didn’t want to believe it, to be honest. I was heartbroken for Cora, and Gordon’s reaction made me want to actually go into the book to punch him.
16. I understand why Della was wary of Maia. I honestly would be as well.
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