Amor’s answer to “I just finished The Lincoln Highway. Thoroughly enjoyed it. But it certainly left me wondering: I…” > Likes and Comments
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Thank you for responding. I read the Q&A. Let's just say that you are the author, and therefore have the most definitive, final word on the subject! (However, if you ever want to discuss the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, let me know.)
I missed the part at the bottom of the QnA earlier. It's nice to be referred to that. Thanks! Since we are on this topic, I am having a hard time believing no one would figure out Emmett and Billy were there in the first place. A lot happened there that day, and even with all the cleaning and stuff, are we sure that authorities won't figure it out that someone else was there? Also, having found two dead bodies in the house, wouldn't authorities try to contact Emmett to gather more information. Obviously, as a reader these questions has to answered in reading group discussions. Having said that, I read the book last year and I absolutely loved it. I think the ending was perfect.
Rajeev: there's a lot of discussion about heroes in this book, with all their tragic flaws. Emmet fits the description (assuming Emmet is the hero). Classical heroes often do not have happy endings, and despite Mr. Towles' assurances, I agree with you that in the real world, nothing good would be awaiting Emmett and the rest of his (alive) companions. Just one of the many reasons Lincoln Highways is such a good book.
Susan, it's really great to be able to discuss this. Certainly, even other readers I discussed this book with were convinced that it's not going to be an easy escape for Emmett and Billy. In fact, the writing (Zeno's paradox and diamond analogy thing, at the top of my mind) itself hints that they might never make it to California. My worst fear with the ending was how it would affect Billy; we discussed how he might himself end up at some child reform school (Salina maybe) or child protection society---which is something you also mention. I also felt that the reverse chapter ordering of the book suggests the ending to be the middle of the story, in medias res, with many important things happening but more important things should happen after the ending as well. Maybe I'm writing too much; it's just that the book is just so good and allows a great deal of discussion.
how good is this book that we're talking about it like it's real! i agree with what you said - i fear for Billy, and just hope the police aren't waiting for Emmet in Times
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Susan
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Nov 09, 2022 12:20PM
Thank you for responding. I read the Q&A. Let's just say that you are the author, and therefore have the most definitive, final word on the subject! (However, if you ever want to discuss the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, let me know.)
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I missed the part at the bottom of the QnA earlier. It's nice to be referred to that. Thanks! Since we are on this topic, I am having a hard time believing no one would figure out Emmett and Billy were there in the first place. A lot happened there that day, and even with all the cleaning and stuff, are we sure that authorities won't figure it out that someone else was there? Also, having found two dead bodies in the house, wouldn't authorities try to contact Emmett to gather more information. Obviously, as a reader these questions has to answered in reading group discussions. Having said that, I read the book last year and I absolutely loved it. I think the ending was perfect.
Rajeev: there's a lot of discussion about heroes in this book, with all their tragic flaws. Emmet fits the description (assuming Emmet is the hero). Classical heroes often do not have happy endings, and despite Mr. Towles' assurances, I agree with you that in the real world, nothing good would be awaiting Emmett and the rest of his (alive) companions. Just one of the many reasons Lincoln Highways is such a good book.
Susan, it's really great to be able to discuss this. Certainly, even other readers I discussed this book with were convinced that it's not going to be an easy escape for Emmett and Billy. In fact, the writing (Zeno's paradox and diamond analogy thing, at the top of my mind) itself hints that they might never make it to California. My worst fear with the ending was how it would affect Billy; we discussed how he might himself end up at some child reform school (Salina maybe) or child protection society---which is something you also mention. I also felt that the reverse chapter ordering of the book suggests the ending to be the middle of the story, in medias res, with many important things happening but more important things should happen after the ending as well. Maybe I'm writing too much; it's just that the book is just so good and allows a great deal of discussion.
how good is this book that we're talking about it like it's real! i agree with what you said - i fear for Billy, and just hope the police aren't waiting for Emmet in Times
