Wary and aggressive (Metaphor)
Molly’s life had never been easy. Her father’s death, her mother’s imprisonment and a caravan of foster parents taught her to be wary. She was “a cat with its back up”, always prepared for a fight and always ready to protect herself.
Succumbing (Metaphor)
Mr. Grote wasn’t interested in Niamh’s education. He just couldn’t understand the meaning of it but he had to send her to school to “keep the authorities out of his hair”. Mr. Grote succumbed to the one rule in order to break more important ones.
Happy (Metaphor)
Dutchy and Niamh were a happy couple. Unfortunately, the World War II put an end to their happy life together. Dutchy had to go to the war and Niamh couldn’t help. However, there was something good. News about Niamh’s pregnancy gladdened Dutchy, he was “over the moon”.
An Irish girl (Simile)
Niamh didn’t only look like a typical Irish girl with her bright red hair, she sounded like one! Her accent was “as thick as peat”. As soon as she opened her mouth, people understood where she was from. Of course, it improved with time, an attentive listener could determine where she came from for many years.
Rather scared (Simile)
Niamh was holding Carmine close to herself because the girl got used to this lovely baby and was afraid to bid a farewell. Not to mention that both of them needed comfort. Carmine clung to her like “a terrified kitten”. He was too little to understand what was going on so he wanted to be held by someone he knew.
Petite (Simile)
The woman, who decided to adopt Carmine, was extremely beautiful. Niamh was fascinated with the smell of roses which came from her. The woman was “as finely boned as a bird”. Judging the look of her, she was a pleasant, kind and tender woman and – what was even more important – she loved children.
