Thank you to Lynne Drew for believing in the book and to Charlotte Brabbin, Jaime Frost and the HarperCollins team for their hard work and eagle eyes. For Broo Doherty, my ever-patient agent, thank you.
Much gratitude to Jane Scott, for laughter, a room to write in and a bed to sleep in when the builders demolished walls. For my neighbours, Penny and Derek, thank you for always being a port in a storm. For Kari, Hew and lovely Nell, thank you for showing me inside Maman and Papa’s house on the cliffs.
Last, but not least, thanks to Jane Johnson, for encouragement, practical advice, happy times and simply always being there.
There is a tiny charity, Magic for Smiles, run by a wonderful humanitarian magician calling himself Jamie Jibberish. Through NGOs, he ventures into the many refugee camps in the Middle East to bring much needed laughter to children. Jamie inspired an idea in my book.
READING GROUP QUESTIONS
What did you think about the use of setting in the novel? Particularly the contrast between locations?
Gabby is enthralled by Karachi, despite the obvious dangers. Why do you think she is so drawn to the city? Is it simply an escape?
What is the effect of the flashback chapters showing Gabby’s childhood in Cornwall?
Discuss the impact of Dominique’s letter. How would you have felt if you were in Gabby’s shoes?
Gabby is badly betrayed by Mike. Does he have any redeeming qualities?
Gabby was hit by two life-changing events at the same time. How did they both feed into one another, and what was the combined impact of the betrayals?
How does Gabby change throughout the novel, in light of her struggles?
Gabby and Dominique revisit their childhood home towards the end of the novel to lay old ghosts to rest. Like them, would you have been able to find peace after what happened? Is it possible to move on from such a traumatic event?
In the sum total of a life, did Papa deserve redemption and forgiveness?
What was your favourite part of the novel? What would you say when you pressed it into someone else’s hands?
About the Author
Sara MacDonald was born in Yorkshire but had a peripatetic childhood, moving around every few years with the forces. After living in Cyprus for three years and going to a convent in Valletta, Malta, she returned to the UK and joined The Theatre Royal Windsor before winning a place at The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
After a brief acting career she became an army wife and lived in Germany, Norway and Sharjah, before spending three years in Singapore and travelling extensively throughout Malaysia, where two of her novels are set.
Eventually she moved to Cornwall, to put down roots and write. Her other novels include Listening to Voices, The Sleep of Birds, Sea Music, The Hour Before Dawn, Come Away with Me and Another Life.
In 2009 Sara had the opportunity to visit Karachi. Captivated by the beauty of Pakistan and the people, she stayed for a full year. In a Kingdom by the Sea was largely inspired by her time living in Karachi.
Also by Sara MacDonald
Listening to Voices
The Sleep of Birds
Sea Music
The Hour Before Dawn
Come Away with Me
Another Life
About the Publisher
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United Kingdom
HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
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United States
HarperCollins Publishers Inc.
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http://www.harpercollins.com
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