Questions About The Guest Book

by Sarah Blake (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

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Answered Questions (28)

I was disappointed that more wasn't told about Elsa and Willy. I would have liked to read more about them and what happened with Ogden's business dealings in Germany. I would have also liked to know more about Len and Reg - after the Island. Did anyone else feel this way?

Momma Leighellen’s Book Nook I think that's the point - as is the fact that the Guest Book wasn't signed by Reg even though he was there. This story, at it's core, is about the "h…moreI think that's the point - as is the fact that the Guest Book wasn't signed by Reg even though he was there. This story, at it's core, is about the "hidden people"in history. Yes, they were there, but there stories weren't told. So it's fitting that we don't know more.(less)

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Did anyone come to the conclusion that Moss and Reggie were in a relationship or at least Moss had stronger feelings for Reg and wanted to be in a relationship with Reg? Maybe this was explained somewhere in the story and I missed it.

Karla Yes. That was the impression I got from the wording of Reg and Moss' interactions. The author seemed to often leave various underlying relationship de…moreYes. That was the impression I got from the wording of Reg and Moss' interactions. The author seemed to often leave various underlying relationship developments vague throughout the book. Moss and Reg, Ogden and Elsa, and Joan and Fenno. I was frustrated with this aspect while reading this lengthy saga, but after finishing the novel I am processing the story and understanding this is often how history in a family or group of people (work groups, friend groups, etc.) exists. There are pockets of history that are not directly visible that would explain many human interactions if the "whole story" was known to an individual. I am more convinced now that the author intended unstated relationship undercurrents within the story line to underscore family members "blank spots" in their family history.
I also questioned numerous times whether Ogden and Kitty's children ever knew of the existence of Neddy. Did Moss even remember his brother? Sometimes I thought yes and other times it seemed like an unreachable memory of a ghost for Moss.(less)

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I had a hard time getting through the kindle sample. Does it get better? It's our book club read for July.

Rita It’s not an easy read. I stuck with it and I’m not sorry but I can’t recommend it with full enthusiasm. It was one of my “like” books not “love”.

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I am searching my brain trying to remember why Len carried the spoon in his pocket. Was it given to him by his father when he left Chicago? What was the significance attached to the spoon that made him carry it and pass it on to his son?

Seawitch He steals the spoon from the restaurant after an early date where she shares he should put a spoon in her mouth if she has a seizure. (This was the ol…moreHe steals the spoon from the restaurant after an early date where she shares he should put a spoon in her mouth if she has a seizure. (This was the old thinking on seizures - not appropriate any more. )(less)

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List of characters?