Questions for Discussion

  1. Did you have a favorite character in Summer on the Island? If so, who, and why?
  2. Eileen’s family is from a very different socioeconomic class than Rosemary’s. How do you feel the author handled the divide between these two worlds? What did you think of the nuances in the relationship between the “family” and the “hired help,” as the author put it?
  3. Marlow’s experience as a divorce lawyer has turned her off getting seriously involved in a relationship. Do you think it would be difficult to see the breakdown of so many relationships and then trust enough to love and commit? Did you find her ability to overcome this believable?
  4. Marlow’s fears of intimacy affect her willingness to get close to Walker. If you were Walker, would you be able to forgive her for her past behavior? Were there other factors contributing to her actions?
  5. What did you think of Aida and Claire’s friendship, given the way they met? Would you be able to be friends with Claire if you were Aida? With Aida if you were Claire?
  6. Were you sympathetic toward Claire for remaining in contact with Dutton after everything he did? Why or why not?
  7. There are a number of parallels among the different characters’ story lines, including Claire’s and Rosemary’s—they’re both considering forgiving and moving forward with men who have wronged them in the past. What did you think of how each of their stories played out? Were you more understanding of one woman’s actions than the other’s?
  8. What did you think of the revelation brought about by Tiller’s will? Did that change the way you viewed any of the characters? If so, how?
  9. How did you feel about the ending with regard to Eileen and Rosemary? Do you believe they will remain friends? Why or why not?
  10. If there were a movie based on Summer on the Island, which actors would you cast as each of the characters?