Louise’s Kindle Notes & Highlights

A Fatal Grace (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #2), by Louise Penny

Normally Ruth’s slim volumes of poetry were slipped to an oblivious public following a launch at the bistro in Three Pines. But something astounding had happened. This elderly, wizened, bitter poet from Three Pines had won the Governor-General’s Award. Surprised the hell out of everyone. Not because she didn’t deserve it. Clara knew her poems were stunning. Who hurt you once so far beyond repair that you would greet each overture with curling lip? It was not always so.

Ahhhh - love this poem. It’s by Marilyn Plessner, from a book self published by her friend after her death. I’m so happy I made, by some miracle, Ruth a poet. Again, contrast. The embittered elderly poet, with such insight into the human heart (sometimes filled with frost), and human condition. Later in the series, as you might know, we find out who hurt her once, ‘so far beyond repair...'

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06 Apr 20 · Flag

Kathy

Ruth makes me cry harder than most of your other characters. She touches something deep inside me.

06 Apr 20 · Flag

Susan

And the number of characters who reference this poem in a variety of situations--brilliant!

15 Apr 20 · Flag

Judy

I think that is what makes Ruth...relatable? Dare I say, tolerable? Knowing she is this hard, sardonic edge on the outside, but her poetry belies something softer and more introspective underneath.

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