The Bee Sting

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How do you feel about Murray’s choice to have each of the central characters endure character development and growth as opposed to a singular dynamic protagonist? Were there any perspectives you didn’t enjoy at all?
• The story depicts several fraught familial relationships. What was your impression of the characters while reading this? Were they relatable?
• What was your reaction to the ending? Did you feel that the story was resolved?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Which characters did you feel most connected to? Have you had similar emotional journeys as them, or did you empathize with their circumstances within the narrative?
• Murray positions communication as the key to overcoming conflict within the novel. Do you agree? If not, what else helps to overcome conflict?
• Dublin, as a bigger city than the Barnes’s hometown, symbolizes opportunity and possibility within the text. Do you see cities this way, or do you prefer smaller towns? How does your environment impact your quality of life?
• Do you feel that Murray’s portrayal of the complexities of family life are accurate? Are all family dynamics subject to the impact of secrets and shame, or does this afflict certain people more than others?
• Do you think that the Barnes’s economic struggles make the characters or circumstances more relatable?

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