1. Una was told as a child that her parents died in a car accident. Over the years, she learned the truth: that they were killed by IRA terrorists. How do the ways in which Una's friends and her grandfather speak about her parents' involvement in the violence in Northern Ireland offer insight into the way many Irish people feel about The Troubles?

2. The violence in Northern Ireland affects the lives of Moran's characters in the "sunny south," both directly and indirectly. How impervious are Una and her friends to the violence, on an emotional level and on a practical level?

3. When Des and Mick are captured by the "Specials" from Dublin, Rawney's behavior changes distinctly. Is his paranoia justified? What does this fear foreshadow for Una's future?

4. Una's overcoming her fear of the sea also marks, on some level, the end of her innocence. In what way might the title of the novel also be a metaphor for Una's attitude towards the less fortuitous events of her life?

5. When Des is murdered, Una's survival instinct kicks in, and she sets out to make his death appear to be an accident. Why, then, do you think she goes to all of her friends and family, Aidan included, to gather information about the mysterious Colm O'Fearghail despite being warned against it? Do you think Una has cause to fear for her safety?

6. Why do you think Una, despite the intelligence and savvy with which she conducts all other areas of her life, is so easily fooled by Aidan? Is it simply because of her love for him or is there another possible explanation?

7. At the end of the novel, Una finds herself a victim of the tumultuous political climate of Ireland. In what way is Aidan also a victim of time and place? Do you think Aidan had a choice in making Una carry the semtex? Do you sense he hoped he could make it his last act ­ the thing that might allow him to break free of his ties to the IRA and marry the woman he loves?

Courtesy of Penguin Putnam, Inc.