* This story is set in Ireland in the 1950's. Clare, David and Gerry have all grown up in a seaside town called Castlebay. Clare wants to escape through education. David dreams of a career as a specialist doctor. Gerry wants fame and success.
* Ria from Ireland and Marilyn from New England are both looking to escape their own lives. A house exchange seems the ideal solution.
* Each Friday night the same seven people travel home from Dublin to spend the weekend in Rathdoon. Each of the travellers has their own story to tell.
* Cathy and Tom decide to create their own catering business. Their plans are not easy, as they have to cope with family problems as well as the highs and lows of running a business.
* Benny and Eve have been best friends throughout their childhoods in Knockglen. When they go to Dublin, they meet new friends, including handsome Jack, and selfish but beautiful Nan - whose ambitions get them all into trouble.
* Mountview School is the setting of this story, where we hear the tales of individuals who have all been brought together to learn to speak Italian.
* This is a collection of stories set in the heart of Dublin's fashionable southside, including the story of a society hostess who entertains her husband's mistress, and the story of a student who faces the dilemma of a pregnancy outside of marriage.
* This story centres around the McMahons, Martin, his unhappy wife, Helen, and their children Kit and Emmet. When Helen disappears, it is assumed she has drowned in the lake.
* What are Kit's full first names?
* What does "Lough Glass" mean?
* What does Sister Madeleine cure on Kit's brother Emmet?
* What is Clio's father's profession?
* What does Kit do on the day her mother disappears, which causes all the trouble?
* What is the name of the woman who rents the flat to Lena and Louis and eventually becomes Lena's best friend?
* In which hotel does Louis work?
* When does Lena first write a letter to Kit?
* What does Ivy call Louis when she tells Lena on the phone that Louis has returned?
* How do Kit and Lena get in touch again?
* Who is Francis Xavier Byrne?
* Who of Lena's colleagues at Millar's had an affair with Louis?