The Art of Friendship (40 page)

1. How does the theme of redemption function within the book?

2. Compare and contrast the various ways that abortion is addressed within the novel.

3. Motherhood is a prevalent issue throughout the novel. How do the women’s various approaches to motherhood impact our empathy for them?

4. How important are the men throughout the book? Does this portrayal impact the importance of fatherhood?

5. What significance is there in the fact that two of the lead characters end up with significantly older men?

6. Did Janice make the right decision in not telling her son who fathered him? Would Pete have benefited from the opportunity to understand his mother’s unnatural behaviour towards him?

7. The women in the novel are the best of friends, and yet they keep important secrets from each other. What role do secrets play within the novel? Are they a necessary part of every friendship?

8. How does Pete’s reaction to Laura’s pregnancy charac-terise him? Is he destined to be a representation of Janice’s worst fears?

9. Consider the stories of the four women. Who is the most relatable and sympathetic of the four?

10. The novel showcases two very different ways of raising children. Janice and Keith are strict, whereas Patsy and Martin are more lenient. However, both of their children get into trouble. Consider what this comparison suggests about a parent’s role.

11. What role do the women’s friendships play in their lives? How important are these friendships?

Win a Luxury Food and Wine Gift Box with

Lewis & Cooper – award-winning purveyors of fine food and wine since 1899 – is offering
The Art of Friendship
by Erin Kaye readers a chance to win one of three delicious Chairman’s Choice food and wine gift boxes (worth £115!) containing some of their favourite food and wine treats.

The gift box is specially filled with L&C Rouge and Blanc wine, single malt whisky, chocolate truffles, Mrs Bell’s Blue cheese and a selection of special nibbles and savouries. It’s great for sharing with (or hiding from) your friends! There are even rashers of Yorkshire dry-cured bacon, complemented by Hot and Nutty Chairman’s sauce – perfect for a late night snack.

Take a look at www.lewisandcooper.co.uk/friendship for a complete list of sumptuous contents, and details of their full range of hampers.

To enter this free prize draw, simply visit www.harpercollins.co.uk/avon and answer the question below. The closing date for this competition is May 31st May 2010.

In
The Art of Friendship,
what is the name of the village where the drama takes place?

A) Ballyfergus

B) Cork

C) Dublin

Lewis & Cooper is also offering all readers 7.5% off any telephone shopping order over £50 (excluding special offers) from February 1st – March 30th 2010. Why not create your own gourmet gift hamper packed with delicious foods and wines you’d be hard pushed to find in most high street stores. Alternatively, stock up on some fine foodie treats for a great night in.

To claim you’re
The Art of Friendship
discount, please order through the
freephone
line 0808 108 0309 quote ‘Art Of Friendship 2010’.

Competition Terms and Conditions:

1. This competition is promoted by HarperCollins Publishers, 77-85 Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8JB (“HarperCollins”).
   
2. This promotion is open to all UK residents aged 18 years or over except employees of HarperCollins, and Lewis & Cooper (or their parent, subsidiaries or any affiliated companies) and their immediate families, who are not allowed to enter the competition.
   
3. No purchase necessary. Only one entry per household. To enter, go to www.harpercollins.co.uk/avon and enter your details. Responsibility cannot be taken for lost entries. Proof of sending is not proof of receipt.
   
4. All entries must be received by midday on 31st May 2010. No entries received after this date will be valid.
   
5. The prize is a Chairman’s Choice food and wine gift box for each winner.
   
6. The prize is non-refundable, non-transferable and subject to availability. No guarantee is given as to the quality of the prize.
   
7. No cash or prize alternatives are available. HarperCollins Publishers reserve their reasonable discretion to substitute any prize with a prize of equal or greater value.
   
8. Winners of the competition will be drawn at random from all correct competition entries by an independent adjudicator and notified by no later than 1st July 2010 by telephone.
   
9. Any application containing incorrect, false or unreadable information will be rejected. Any applications made on behalf of or for another person or multiple entries will not be included in the competition.
   
10. HarperCollins decision as to who has won the competition shall be final.
    
11. To obtain the name of the prize winner after the closing date, please write to AVON/The Art of Friendship, HarperCollins Publishers, 77-85 Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 8JB.
    
12. Entry instructions are deemed to form part of the Terms and Conditions for this competition.
    
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7.5% Discount Terms and Conditions:

1. You must spend over £50 to be applicable for the 7.5% discount.
   
2. To claim the discount, you must order by telephone on 0808 108 0309, quoting ‘The Art Of Friendship 2010’.
   
3. This discount is applicable from February 1st – March 30th 2010.
   
4. The discount is only available for UK mainland deliveries.
   

Erin Kaye was born in 1966 in Larne, Co. Antrim to a Polish-American father and an Anglo-Irish mother. She pursued a successful career in finance before becoming a writer. Her previous bestselling novels include
Mothers and Daughters, Choices, Second Chances, Closer to Home
and
My Husband’s Lover.
She lives in North Berwick on the east coast of Scotland with her husband Mervyn, two young sons and Murphy the dog.

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