March Book Discussion - The Friend by Teresa Driscoll

[BlueHeartScraps]

If you haven't had a chance to start this month's book, no worries...there's still plenty of time to enjoy the book and take part in this month's discussion with us. If you need a digital copy to read along with us (epub, mobi, PDF) -- please don't hesitate to email me at ​

[email protected]

I'd be honored to share my copy to help others read and discuss with us!

If you've started, but not yet finished, the book...you might want to close out this tab and revisit it when you've finished reading. While I try not to specifically discussion potential spoilers, others might...and I would hate to spoil anything for you before you have a chance to read the entire book.

Below are a few Book Club questions designed to start a discussion about the book -- however, feel free to ask questions, make comments and bring up any portion of the book you'd like. These questions are only intended to help get the comments flowing!

Can't wait to hear what all of you think about the book!

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1. [FONT=Verdana,Arial,Tahoma,Calibri,Geneva,sans-serif]How would you describe your experience reading the book? Were you engaged immediately, or did it take you a while to "get into it"? Did you instantly feel a connection to Sophie?

2. What were your thoughts on the budding friendship between Sophie and Emma? Did it concern you that Sophie's husband, Matt, didn't seem to be a fan of Emma (or did you think he was simply looking out for Sophie after her past experiences with Caroline)?

3. Why do you think the author chose to start the story with Sophie stuck on a train, completely out of control of the situation unfolding at home? Is there symbolism in that choice?

4. After the tragic event Sophie witnessed, Emma is quickly cast into the spotlight. Did you, like the detective, doubt Emma's trustability...or were you sure of her innocence like Sophie?

5. Did you see the major 'twist' at the end before it was revealed?

6. Was anyone else annoyed at how slowly the story was built up, but quickly went from twist to end, with the only real resolution of the store being told in the very long epilogue?

7. What were some of your favorite, and least favorite, parts of the book...and Sophie's story?
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[LilyAnn]

I guess someone has to go first!

1. How would you describe your experience reading the book? Were you engaged immediately, or did it take you a while to "get into it"? Did you instantly feel a connection to Sophie?

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I was engaged immediately when I started reading the book. I wanted to find out what happened to her son. I felt a quick connection to Sophie because I know if I was away and one of my children gets hurt, I'd want to be there right away. I was, at first, disappointed with all the back store. But that's what put the whole story together.

2. What were your thoughts on the budding friendship between Sophie and Emma? Did it concern you that Sophie's husband, Matt, didn't seem to be a fan of Emma (or did you think he was simply looking out for Sophie after her past experiences with Caroline)?

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I liked the budding relationship between Sophie and Emma. Everyone needs a good friend and a good friend for their child as well. I thought Matt and others were over-reacting about getting the wrong vibe from Emma. I, for one, always seemed to have made friends with the kids who were "different," so with them saying things like that, it just brought back memories of the friends I had growing up. In retrospect, I think Matt was looking out for Sophie because of her mental status. But you can't keep someone away from any type of social contact if they are unstable mentally. They wouldn't learn how to cope otherwise.

3. Why do you think the author chose to start the story with Sophie stuck on a train, completely out of control of the situation unfolding at home? Is there symbolism in that choice?

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Good question! I didn't think of the symbolism until you mentioned it. The author, I think, chose to start that way to symbolize the lack of control she has over her mental status and that she has no control on when she gets to her child. Any little thing could set her off. They way she tried to get off the train shows how she wasn't thinking things through correctly. Can they send a helicopter to get her? Really!!! Looking up what the spleen does was smart but it lead to more outbursts.

4. After the tragic event Sophie witnessed, Emma is quickly cast into the spotlight. Did you, like the detective, doubt Emma's trustability...or were you sure of her innocence like Sophie?
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Just because you are the last person to see someone alive doesn't mean you did it!!! I was siding with Sophie and didn't think Emma did it. I thought poor Emma was getting the brunt of the bad mouthing. First people didn't like her than after the tragic event, no one trusted her, but I didn't see why!

5. Did you see the major 'twist' at the end before it was revealed?

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I was completely thrown off by the twist. I didn't see it coming at all. And it all came together rather quickly at the end. I would never have thought Sophie would do something like that and get away with it.

6. Was anyone else annoyed at how slowly the story was built up, but quickly went from twist to end, with the only real resolution of the store being told in the very long epilogue?

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Oh yes! Some much back story or "before" as the book always put it. I like reading in the present as a story unfolds, not back and forth like that. And such a little of the "now" and lots of "before" was getting me angry but at the same time made me keep reading to find out what was going to happen with Sophie's child. The epilogue should have been part of the story instead of being put separate. I kind of figured the picture in Matt's office of Emma was going to come to play at the end of the story.

7. What were some of your favorite, and least favorite, parts of the book...and Sophie's story?

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I did enjoy the book and couldn't put it down because I wanted to find out about Sophie's son and I had to read the "before" to get to it. I thought adding the backstory of her losing her second child and gaining Emma's son at the end was my favorite part (which made me a little teary) but how she acquired Ben was not my favorite part. She should have given the child up for adoption even though she thought that it was in his best interest not to. Now to add to her mental state, every time she see's Ben, she'll be reminded of what she did in the hospital.
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[FormbyGirl]

How would you describe your experience reading the book? Were you engaged immediately, or did it take you a while to "get into it"? Did you instantly feel a connection to Sophie?

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I was a little frustrated by how slowly it seemed to move at first and how she was so hysterical. I guess I should have had more sympathy for her in the frustrating situation, but she seemed to be making things worse. I was engaged pretty quickly, but did not feel an immediate connection to Sophie. To be honest, she seemed a little dramatic and self-centered.

2. What were your thoughts on the budding friendship between Sophie and Emma? Did it concern you that Sophie's husband, Matt, didn't seem to be a fan of Emma (or did you think he was simply looking out for Sophie after her past experiences with Caroline)?

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I did think they became firm friends really quickly and I appreciated Matt's concern. He seemed to be trying to protect her against her will.

3. Why do you think the author chose to start the story with Sophie stuck on a train, completely out of control of the situation unfolding at home? Is there symbolism in that choice?

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It seems as though her whole life was out of control and I can see the symbolism in that.

4. After the tragic event Sophie witnessed, Emma is quickly cast into the spotlight. Did you, like the detective, doubt Emma's trustability...or were you sure of her innocence like Sophie?

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I did not trust Emma at all. Even from the beginning, I had my doubts and felt she was making a big mistake allowing her son to spend so much time with Emma.

5. Did you see the major 'twist' at the end before it was revealed?

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I did not see it coming. I never would have thought Sophie had it in her.

6. Was anyone else annoyed at how slowly the story was built up, but quickly went from twist to end, with the only real resolution of the store being told in the very long epilogue?

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I did feel it was very slow in spots and I did feel the end was very abrupt. It is not a book I would choose to read again, although I am glad I read it.

7. What were some of your favorite, and least favorite, parts of the book...and Sophie's story?

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Hard to say. My least favourite parts were Sophie's hysteria at the beginning. I wanted to slap her! She was delaying the train. I could see the frustration of not being able to get any information, but she was not helping the situation at all. I also felt Sophie was a little self-centered. My favourite part was the little village - I loved the place, I loved her cottage. I could feel the descriptions and the charm that attracted her.It is definitely not my favourite book, but I did get a lot out of it.

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[Elynnia]

1. How would you describe your experience reading the book? Were you engaged immediately, or did it take you a while to "get into it"? Did you instantly feel a connection to Sophie?

I was initially frustrated with how slow the book started. It took a long while for me to get into the book and figure out the flow of it. I did like Sophie, although she seemed very irrational and after reading the last book club book I started to wonder if the twist wasn't on her end.

2. What were your thoughts on the budding friendship between Sophie and Emma? Did it concern you that Sophie's husband, Matt, didn't seem to be a fan of Emma (or did you think he was simply looking out for Sophie after her past experiences with Caroline)?

I thought he was simply looking out for her, I had no idea of their connection. I am use to having friends who did not get along so I didn't think anything of it.

3. Why do you think the author chose to start the story with Sophie stuck on a train, completely out of control of the situation unfolding at home? Is there symbolism in that choice?

I think it gave you the mystery of what happened. If it had started in sequence it might have been even harder to get into.

4. After the tragic event Sophie witnessed, Emma is quickly cast into the spotlight. Did you, like the detective, doubt Emma's trustability...or were you sure of her innocence like Sophie?

That is when I started to think something was really off. I was convinced that she would turn out to have murdered them both.

5. Did you see the major 'twist' at the end before it was revealed?

No!

6. Was anyone else annoyed at how slowly the story was built up, but quickly went from twist to end, with the only real resolution of the store being told in the very long epilogue?

Yes! I am happy with how it ended but think the end could have been played out a bit more... although that is how a lot of movies do it to so...

7. What were some of your favorite, and least favorite, parts of the book...and Sophie's story?

I liked when it talked about her and Emma spending time together and bonding. I also liked Helen's part in the story, she seemed like a strong character. I was not a fan of Emma's story or how harsh she was treating her son. I was kinda relieved when Sophie made sure things were final at the end. Otherwise you would have the feeling that she might have come back in a sequel later on..​

 

[Grace.]

1. How would you describe your experience reading the book? Were you engaged immediately, or did it take you a while to "get into it"? Did you instantly feel a connection to Sophie? She was hysterical, I felt frustrated how slowly the story developed

2. What were your thoughts on the budding friendship between Sophie and Emma? I think they became friends very fast
Did it concern you that Sophie's husband, Matt, didn't seem to be a fan of Emma (or did you think he was simply looking out for Sophie after her past experiences with Caroline)? I think he was over protecting her against her will, but is understanding, sometimes is better be careful.

3. Why do you think the author chose to start the story with Sophie stuck on a train, completely out of control of the situation unfolding at home? Is there symbolism in that choice? Everything including her life was a big chaos

4. After the tragic event Sophie witnessed, Emma is quickly cast into the spotlight. Did you, like the detective, doubt Emma's trustability...or were you sure of her innocence like Sophie? I didn't trust Emma from the beginning.

5. Did you see the major 'twist' at the end before it was revealed? no, I would never have thought Sophie would do something like that and get away with it
6. Was anyone else annoyed at how slowly the story was built up, but quickly went from twist to end, with the only real resolution of the store being told in the very long epilogue? I'm a happy with the end.

7. What were some of your favorite, and least favorite, parts of the book...and Sophie's story? She should have given the child up for adoption, I hate how she treats her son. I like many parts of the story. Again a great book, thanks for the choice.

 

[bcgal00]

1. How would you describe your experience reading the book? Were you engaged immediately, or did it take you a while to "get into it"? Did you instantly feel a connection to Sophie?

I was intrigued right from the start. The story immediately had me questioning....why? What was the backstory that I was sure was coming and I couldn't wait to find out. The way it starts out leaves so much to ponder about what direction it will go. It was a bit slow to start but during that time I was anticipating what would come and how it would turn out. I felt sorry for Sophie but also wondered about her mental state b/c her reactions and thoughts seemed so over-the-top. It was a dire situation for sure but she just seemed a little too unstable about it. Mind you, I've never been in that situation so can't say for sure how I'd react either.

2. What were your thoughts on the budding friendship between Sophie and Emma? Did it concern you that Sophie's husband, Matt, didn't seem to be a fan of Emma (or did you think he was simply looking out for Sophie after her past experiences with Caroline)?

I'd be concerned about a friendship like that, it seemed more like an unhealthy attachment, too quickly, to a stranger that no one knew. I didn't blame Matt one bit for his concern.

3. Why do you think the author chose to start the story with Sophie stuck on a train, completely out of control of the situation unfolding at home? Is there symbolism in that choice?

I think that was a smart way to start the book. It gives you the impression that Sophie is a bit of a train wreck emotionally, a wild card with her emotions, that you immediately start to wonder about her perceptions, her reactions and what is really going on.

4. After the tragic event Sophie witnessed, Emma is quickly cast into the spotlight. Did you, like the detective, doubt Emma's trustability...or were you sure of her innocence like Sophie?

I was mistrustful of Emma right from the start but because of my doubt for Sophie's perceptions and choices, I couldn't make up my mind, kept wondering if I was missing some clue.

5. Did you see the major 'twist' at the end before it was revealed? Nope not at all. What a great surprise to the story.

6. Was anyone else annoyed at how slowly the story was built up, but quickly went from twist to end, with the only real resolution of the store being told in the very long epilogue?

It was a bit of a slow read to start but I was always interested, I knew it wasn't a long book to read so it was worth pursuing. About halfway in I couldn't put it down.

7. What were some of your favorite, and least favorite, parts of the book...and Sophie's story?
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I liked the addition of Jill and Anthony, who were they really? What if any relationship was there to Emma? It kept me guessing.

It was hard to learn about Theo's life, the gaslighting and neglect for that poor little guy.

I loved the surprise ending. I felt it wrapped up a little too quickly, seemed a bit rush, but still....I enjoyed it.

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[CindyB]

1. How would you describe your experience reading the book? Were you engaged immediately, or did it take you a while to "get into it"? Did you instantly feel a connection to Sophie?
Admittedly, this book did not grab me from the beginning. I actually struggled to get through it. Sophie honestly baffled me, and I knew something with her was "off".

2. What were your thoughts on the budding friendship between Sophie and Emma? Did it concern you that Sophie's husband, Matt, didn't seem to be a fan of Emma (or did you think he was simply looking out for Sophie after her past experiences with Caroline)?
I didn't think anything of Mark's negative reaction to Emma, it seemed justified.

3. Why do you think the author chose to start the story with Sophie stuck on a train, completely out of control of the situation unfolding at home? Is there symbolism in that choice?
I think it was pretty smart of the author to start with the out-of-control train situation. At least it kept you reading, since the bulk of the book seemed to be a little drawn out. As for the symbolism, I didn't really recognize that until the end when everything started to really unfold.

4. After the tragic event Sophie witnessed, Emma is quickly cast into the spotlight. Did you, like the detective, doubt Emma's trustability...or were you sure of her innocence like Sophie?
This is where things got fuzzy for me, and honestly I had to muscle through this read. I don't think we had enough information to start to form any opinions. It was clear I didn't trust Emma, but I didn't trust Sophie either and I couldn't pinpoint why.

5. Did you see the major 'twist' at the end before it was revealed?
Not at all...and then it went by so fast, it just felt anti-climactic for me.

6. Was anyone else annoyed at how slowly the story was built up, but quickly went from twist to end, with the only real resolution of the store being told in the very long epilogue?
Yes, yes, yes!!! Completely.

7. What were some of your favorite, and least favorite, parts of the book...and Sophie's story?
I really thought I would enjoy this one. The book seemed to have a chaotic start but then it just dies as you read through bouncing from past to present. After the first 2 chapters you already knew the plot so getting through with only a few little surprises along the way left me a little disappointed.

Took me a lot longer that it should have to finish this one for sure. I found myself reading and re-reading thinking I missed something...but no. Then the really long epilogue felt like an info dump. This was the information that I was looking for the whole book when it should have been a conclusion of sorts.

I really thought the friendship between Sophie and Helen was my favorite part...that felt really genuine and real.​

 

[lizziej]

1. How would you describe your experience reading the book? Were you engaged immediately, or did it take you a while to "get into it"? Did you instantly feel a connection to Sophie? ​

I was engaged immediately because I wanted to know about Sophie's friend and start figuring out what she did. I did feel a connection with Sophie, because I wanted to find out what happened as much as she did. LOL​

2. What were your thoughts on the budding friendship between Sophie and Emma? Did it concern you that Sophie's husband, Matt, didn't seem to be a fan of Emma (or did you think he was simply looking out for Sophie after her past experiences with Caroline)? ​

I have made instant friendships that turned out to be great and often long-lasting, but because Emma was responsible for the accident about which I had no details, I was always wary of her. It didn't really concern me that Matt didn't seem to be a fan of Emma's, because sometimes men don't like their wife's/SO's friends.​

3. Why do you think the author chose to start the story with Sophie stuck on a train, completely out of control of the situation unfolding at home? Is there symbolism in that choice? ​

I think she wanted us to start wondering what was going on. There may have been symbolism is that she could not control Emma.​

4. After the tragic event Sophie witnessed, Emma is quickly cast into the spotlight. Did you, like the detective, doubt Emma's trustability...or were you sure of her innocence like Sophie? ​

I doubted her trustability.​

5. Did you see the major 'twist' at the end before it was revealed? ​

No, but I thought it sure was a good one!​

6. Was anyone else annoyed at how slowly the story was built up, but quickly went from twist to end, with the only real resolution of the store being told in the very long epilogue? ​

I was fine with how the story built up, but I felt the resolution should not have been in the epilogue.​

7. What were some of your favorite, and least favorite, parts of the book...and Sophie's story? ​

I did not like how Emma treated her son, which is why he quit talking, as I recall.

I really enjoyed the book, but I know I've forgotten some things. I need to start reading the book-of-the-month in the month so that I don't forget what I might want to say. LOL​

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