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Reading Group Guide

Discussion Questions

The Linen Queen

1. Was Sheila justified in wanting to escape her life in Northern Ireland?

2. Did she have a duty to stay and take care of her mother?

3. Should Sheila have given her mother the Linen Queen prize money?

4. How did Ma’s behavior shape Sheila’s actions and her view of herself?

5. How did winning The Linen Queen crown change Sheila’s view of herself, and others’ view of her? How would her life have been different if she had not won?

6. Should Grainne have been more grateful to Sheila?

7. Were Patsy and Kathleen really Sheila’s friends?

8. What was the real reason Gavin was angry at Joel? Was it patriotism or jealousy?

9. Was Gavin a patriot or a traitor? Did he redeem himself?

10. Did Joel mean it when he told Sheila he would come back for her?

11. Was Sheila in love with Joel?

12. Is it possible to be in love with two people at the same time? Was Sheila?

13. How would Sheila’s life have been different if she’d gone away with Joel when he first asked her?

14. Do you think Sheila and Gavin were meant to be together? Why? Why not?

15. Did your opinion of Sheila change over the course of the story? How?

16. How do you think the people of N.I. were different before and after the war?

17. How were Sheila’s Ma and Mrs. Hollywood different as mothers?

18. What would your version of a “Happy Ever After” be for Sheila?

The Linen Queen
by Patricia Falvey

  • Publication Date: March 2, 2011
  • Hardcover: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Center Street
  • ISBN-10: 1599952009
  • ISBN-13: 9781599952000