Gordon's portrayal of family conflicts, religious issues, and immigration raises several provocative issues. Her characters are judgmental — they constantly criticize each other and express their dissatisfactions with life. Sons and daughters are especially harsh in judging their parents. The reader wonders if these complaints are realistic, given the history of the family.

This novel invites comparison with films about immigrants. For instance, the 1992 movie directed by Ron Howard, Far and Away, starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, while covering similar events, presents a far different view of family life than does Gordon's novel. Gordon has also been criticized for her stereotyped portraits of minor characters, However, film treatments of the Irishman, particularly the priest, have been themselves stereotypes.

1. Is the portrait of Ellen in old age unnecessarily cruel? Does Gordon focus unfairly on her physical appearance and vengeful behavior?

2. Does Ellen's behavior throughout the story...