Beginning a book with the suffering and death of a character is a turn-off for me. Why do you think the author chose to start the book with Claire's cancer treatment and subsequent death?
Created: 01/11/16
Replies: 8
Join Date: 09/19/13
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Join Date: 05/31/11
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We needed to see the relationship between Claire and Wes. Her death made this very clear. She was his glue...what held him together after the horrible torture he had experienced. She gave up much for him - including her son - and left him with the need to repay her by learning to know that son.
Join Date: 04/08/13
Posts: 41
The first pages of the book introduce us to pain, both Claire's and Wes'. The focus on Claire gives us the backdrop of a gentle Wes and his past as a C.O. is only hinted at. The author skillfully leads us in character development until we feel we know them, then often packs a wallop that causes the reader to utter a WOW. This first section is preparation for lament and death.
Join Date: 10/23/12
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Join Date: 04/26/15
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Claire was the "glue" that had held Wesley's life together this past 18 years. She had sacrificed so much to be that for him - even leaving the community and especially her son, Dennis. By starting with her death, it set the stage of whether or not Wesley was going to be able to make it without her.
Join Date: 04/21/15
Posts: 6
Claire's death was a haunting melody throughout the entire book. It gave a point of reference for many of the conflicts and themes throughout the book. However, because she was not an alive character, she was unable to influence Wes's ability or inability to deal with life after she was gone.
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