Jwave's comments (member since Feb 14, 2008)

Jwave's comments from the Chicks On Lit group.

I was going to say I liked Paul too, but it was Paul that wrote the phrases on the house, which eventually caused the descent on the house and fire.

I think that each character had some part in the tragedy that unfolded. Each felt they were the main cause. To an extent it shows the narcissism that is in each of us.

Of course, Boise's relationships with her daughters results from her upbringing, how could it not? I am not sure that Boise's mother would have raised them much different if she had not had migraines. Even though she was worse (and then removed) when she had a "spell", she was no picnic when she was well.

I still think I liked the book, though I do not "like" any of the characters. It was a moving story, and the writing was solid, with good imagery and flow. Will it be an "all time" favorite? NO. Am I glad I read it? yes.

Paige:

I agree that Old Mother is a fine example of "be careful what you wish for". I think that what you describe in the dream/fantasy/hope category (with Santa) IS loss of innocence for me. The dreams you dream BEFORE life experience jades you into pessimism. After that season, she never really expected things to work out right, never thought again that if you believe hard enough anything is possible.

Okay...I have put a hold on it at the library. I should be able to pick it up on Tuesday.

This will be branching out for me,but I am excited. I would love to know more about her and her poetry.

I'll weigh in...

1. I think children are all a little cruel by nature. Think of how prevelent teasing and bullying are (and have always been). They are also selfish by nature. (as all humans are to some extent). Framboise found her mother to be cruel, esp. during her "bad spells". However, she also knew that her mother would withdraw during these spells, so to achieve her selfish goals she retaliated cruelties. Additionally, I think Framboise felt that her mother singled her out for cruelty and favored the others, so she felt justified in her actions.

2. The children gravitated to Tomas because he made each of them feel important and special, playing to each of their needs. The brother needed to feel powerful and grownup, the sister desirable and pretty, and Framboise needed to someone to see her as worthy of time and attention. I could not tell if Tomas's character was one of those people who just naturally draws people in and genuinely likes people (I believe he was) or if he was using them all (which I don't think was the case). Considering the complexities of the time, I don't know that the children were old enough to really comprehend consequences of their actions. I do think there was a tone of judgment in the narration, as I feel the story was retold from Framboise's perspective years later. I think with the benefit of hindsight, she sees that their actions caused a horrible sequence of events, and so you feel the foreshadowing of it as you read. However, I think the children had no malicious intents at the time, they only sought the excitement and attention it all brought.

3. I think the structure was reminiscent of how she divided the orange.

4. Old Mother symbolized the adventure and innocence of youth. She lost both of these when she caught old mother.

5. She went back to because the same things that drew her mother there drew her. She wanted to go back home again, in many ways. To see if it was different for someone without her past. and of course it was to some extent because our past makes us who we are. I also think she wanted her story revealed so she could face it all, but she was afraid to finally commit to it, so she goes back and hopes (I think) that someone will recognize her.

6. For Framboise, I think food is and was her comfort and her curse. Her passion and her prison. She loves the acceptance and joy her cooking brings her from others, but it ties her so finally to her mother and to the woman she is afraid of becoming (and then becomes). She uses food to seduce, to cripple, to nurture and to sustain...both herself and those around her.

7. I see so many friends with great relationships with their mothers, so I don't think it has to be this way. But for me, this relationship speaks true. There are parts of my mother I hold in great regard and parts I hold in disdain. Unfortunately, I rarely acknowledge the similarities between us that are positive, and I live in fear of fulfilling the ones that aren't. I think this is universal...not just between mothers and daughters, but women in general (may in all human kind...but I don't see it as often in men). Women tend to relate themselves to negative traits of others, but not the positive ones.

Well that is my two cents. I agree with the poster who said the story is moving but you don't necessarily LIKE any of the characters. All in all it was a good read and I enjoyed it.

I finished it last night too. I loved the book. Can't wait to discuss.

Wicked took me FOREVER to get through...but then I read Son of a Witch and it was much quicker. I have now also read Mirror, Mirror and I have the Ugly Stepsister one to read too. I think you really have to get used to the weird world he creates before you can start reading them quickly. Still not sure i LIKE any of them, but they are very interesting reads and I do like the interesting take on the fairy tale.

I am a fast reader. I should be done by next weekend.

I am up for Five Quarters of the Orange.

Hi. I am just judy from twopeas. I am a big reader, but I go in spurts. Right now I am on a TV spurt and I could use a nudge back to books.

I majored in theatre and paid the bills with it years ago...now I am doing the sahm thing for my 8 year old daughter.

I love a good mystery, classic literature, non-fiction, and harry potter. I am not really into sci-fi or romance, but in a pinch will read anything...including the back of the cereal box (more than once).

My daughter just started a girl's book club, so I think she would think it was cool if I were in one too.

Thanks for doing this.

I would love to do an online group read. I am up for anything.

Read "Thousand splendid suns". Really thought it was a good read. I read "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn" about a million years ago. I should read it again.

My daughter just finished studying Jamestown, so I think I will pick that one up.

Right now, I am rereading Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead.