Sue’s Comments (group member since Jan 21, 2020)

Sue’s comments from the The Obscure Reading Group group.

I’m so contrary, Ken. I really liked The Mayor of Casterbridge which I read as a buddy read here at GR a few years ago. I read many of the others when I was in college and want to reread them now from a different perspective.

Thanks Jim.

What a great discussion. This book reads as if it was written yesterday instead of 80 years ago. As has been mentioned, structural racism is definitely alive and well. I do wonder how people can deny its existence today. While my family did not have much money when I was young, one thing we did have was white skin. Now I realize how much of a difference that made in my life.

Another element of this book that struck me was the power of its prose. Petry
used metaphor so well, like that wind that became a physical entity fighting Lutie and everyone else that day. She uses the dark, and occasionally light, the same way, as a physical presence addition to Jones, making Jones larger, more powerful. Petry’s way with language was so powerful. The initial section set on the stairs of the apartment building was a lesson in suspense.

I’m looking forward to learning more about everyone involved but I also fear that the outcome is unlikely to be happy.

Sounds good.

About to begin the book. I anticipate a sociological look at the time, hopefully no politics.

Ken, I certainly hope you’re right. 2020 is giving too great a dose of American History.

Three may be better for my reading tolerance lately but I can play catch up if needed.

Diane, I just picked up a kindle copy. I’m glad you mentioned the price as I had checked it last week before this special. Thanks. Now to cancel my hold.

Diane, when I looked for a kindle version it was over $10. Did you buy this recently? Guess I should look again. I have a hold in at the library but I’m 3rd in line for the e-book.

Thanks all. So far, mostly HGTV and mysteries on PBS seem to meet my needs. I’ll know when I’m ready for reading again (I actually did more a week or so ago than now.) I think my energy is going to walking and exercise. But reading will happen.

I’m curious to see the nominations.

I’m slowly coming back to my reading world after having had my second back surgery earlier in August. I am finding it difficult to read now but hopefully I’ll have those reading chops back in hand in time to read the book for the October discussion. It’s fun seeing what’s going on with everyone here in this oddest of summers when no one’s usual is normal.

Cindy, thanks for clarifying the Konig/Susanna/Mitzi situation so well. I think I may have read that section too quickly and missed the nuances. And Diane, I agree with this being primarily a coming of age story with mysteries of wartime and school life included.

I just read your update, Carol. Thanks. I should read that section again.

I think Konig had feelings of some sort for Mitzi, but they seemed to be mixed up so much in the Abigail work that it became difficult to separate out. And likewise for his feelings for Susanna. Was Mitzi right about Konig and Susanna or was she redirecting him to someone more suitable. It seemed to me that she was dedicated to her role of widow and mother to her dead son. Perhaps that scene bears rereading especially since I don’t think Szabo gave an update on either Konig or Susanna (though I could be wrong).

I read this third section last night and liked how various plot lines wrapped up. Gideon Torma was allowed to be heroic in Gina’s (and others’) eyes for protecting her when it was most important. At the same time, the inevitability of the German’s future return to the school and success was acknowledged as we learn the truth about Abigail finally. I too had decided that Konig was the person behind the deeds and wondered about possible assistants. As Mraz’s position became clear, I began to wonder if he was involved in the church hymn episode more than as a fixer.

Watching Gina’s reactions and development over the last portion of the story was interesting. She was still her impetuous self, bringing all her favorite items to Torma ill in the infirmary without thinking of the possibility or repercussions of being caught. Once again thinking only of herself leaving, though, to be sure, also of doing something nice for a friend. Then we have the Gina who can silently watch the amazing scene with Mitzi and Susanna play out in front of her followed by the entry of Konig. For once she doesn’t make an event about her or something to be affected by her. She simply observes, and learns so much about the truth of people who have been around her for months.

I’m glad the information about her future was given too, that she chooses to return to Matula in some ways doesn’t surprise me; they are her family. I don’t recall any mention of the future of Konig and Susanna. Several others were mentioned and perhaps I missed it. Just curious, as Gina would be.

I love that prospective conundrum of dying while in the middle of a book. Diane, while I appreciate your idea of it being a DNF, I think I’d rather I be enjoying some wonderful prose, maybe forever lost in a Faulkner sentence, though I think I may reach a point where I won’t be able to find my way through a Faulkner sentence!

Welcome Erin. I too wonder how I will ever read a reasonable portion of the books on my tbr list . I’m 72 now with some thousands of ideas for reading to choose from. But it is a delightful predicament.

I’m enjoying this book and the discussion, letting both sort of wash over me. The developments of this middle third of Abigail certainly developed the story, Gina’s character, the slowly encroaching war, and the characters of many of the teachers as well. I am finding the reading itself comfortable, which is a delight after some of my struggles with concentration over the past few months. No such difficulty here.

I like that Gina’s portrait is a warts and all affair. If she were idealized, the story would be totally unreal. As it is she has her moments of bravery or goodness as well as ones of shabby behavior that occasionally endangers others. While most of us haven’t saved anyone during wartime, I imagine most of us have gossiped or told stories that we weren’t totally certain about. When we were young, of course!

I like the concept of Abigail, no matter who it turns out to be. I envision this person as a member of a resistance network who may not actually know the General since being part of his life in any way could be deadly for Gina. Perhaps Gina is an assignment, a duty for this unknown person. Well, we will learn soon enough.

I haven’t finished this section yet so probably shouldn’t have read the whole thing but it’s so interesting. My only frustration is being unable to see the spoilers.

And while I agree that the air raid drill was an abrupt conversion to unity in the fifth year class, I think there were a few prior mentions of Tormer with a troubled look or other girls appearing concerned about the continued ostracism of Gina. Her sudden change I found easier to accept; her father’s talk with her made this her home, these people her family no matter what.

Ken, when you mention that Szabo is a source of pride in Hungary now, I can’t help but think she would be despairing about it’s state. Apparently its president has taken on dictatorial powers since the virus struck and the people have accepted it. He is one of, if not the most right wing leaders in Europe. It’s sad.