Tom Brennan
CHAPTER SUMMARIES
Prologue
The Brennan family silently drive away from Mumbilli in the early hours of the morning.
Although they were once respected in the town, they must depart quietly so that they could leave without fear of abuse from some of the town members who are angry with the family because of the irresponsible action of eldest son Daniel Brennan. There is no doubt that as a family they are feeling ashamed and anguished.
‘In a couple of hours they would wake and find us gone, far away, so as not to remind them of their pain and what our family now meant to this town.’ (p. 2)
Activities:
• In a small group write the conversation that you think might have taken place among some people in the town when they realised the Brennans had left.
• Write the conversation that would have taken place in the Brennans’ car after they have left Mumbilli behind.
Chapter 1
The family are settling into their grandmother’s house, which they are finding intolerable.
Gran is devoutly religious and Tom and Kylie resent her interference in their lives.
Moreover, because Gran has had to overcome family problems in the past, she has little time for the way Tom’s mother, Theresa or Tess, is behaving – Tess has withdrawn from her family and prefers to stay in bed. Gran is also a dreadful cook and the food is difficult to consume. The family is eating an Australia Day lunch. Gran makes Tom say grace and she invites Father Vincent to join them unannounced. This chapter also introduces Tom’s prowess at rugby as a focal point, as this sport has always been an important component in the life of the Brennan family.
‘Pray for them, Father Vincent, pray for them – and while you’re there, pray for the soul of their son Daniel.’ (p. 12)
‘You know it’s been a while since Bennie’s had a half-back with your speed and pass …
Maybe you can teach the boys a thing or two.’ (p. 9)
‘I hadn’t decided if I was playing rugby this year. In fact, I hadn’t decided if I was
Prologue
The Brennan family silently drive away from Mumbilli in the early hours of the morning.
Although they were once respected in the town, they must depart quietly so that they could leave without fear of abuse from some of the town members who are angry with the family because of the irresponsible action of eldest son Daniel Brennan. There is no doubt that as a family they are feeling ashamed and anguished.
‘In a couple of hours they would wake and find us gone, far away, so as not to remind them of their pain and what our family now meant to this town.’ (p. 2)
Activities:
• In a small group write the conversation that you think might have taken place among some people in the town when they realised the Brennans had left.
• Write the conversation that would have taken place in the Brennans’ car after they have left Mumbilli behind.
Chapter 1
The family are settling into their grandmother’s house, which they are finding intolerable.
Gran is devoutly religious and Tom and Kylie resent her interference in their lives.
Moreover, because Gran has had to overcome family problems in the past, she has little time for the way Tom’s mother, Theresa or Tess, is behaving – Tess has withdrawn from her family and prefers to stay in bed. Gran is also a dreadful cook and the food is difficult to consume. The family is eating an Australia Day lunch. Gran makes Tom say grace and she invites Father Vincent to join them unannounced. This chapter also introduces Tom’s prowess at rugby as a focal point, as this sport has always been an important component in the life of the Brennan family.
‘Pray for them, Father Vincent, pray for them – and while you’re there, pray for the soul of their son Daniel.’ (p. 12)
‘You know it’s been a while since Bennie’s had a half-back with your speed and pass …
Maybe you can teach the boys a thing or two.’ (p. 9)
‘I hadn’t decided if I was playing rugby this year. In fact, I hadn’t decided if I was