Jean asked:

Does anyone else think it was rude for the author to write this book?

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11 years ago
3 answers

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Melissa Hi Jean, my immediate response is YES! I got the impression Nelle knew she was writing a book and later Nelle did go on to deny encouraging it. I think Nelle was ultimately just trying to protect herself. I didn't like all the details Marja gave about the streets and what you passed on the left and right going here and there. I looked up some of the places she mentioned and she didn't change the names of them. I completely understand that if someone were to go there now looking for Nelle, they would not find her since she's in a rest home but I just thought it was an invasion of her privacy and the town's as well. All of her descriptions of everything made me feel as if she was trying to prove she was there and did everything she said but she didn't publish any pictures of herself with either one of the sisters, nor did she share any pictures of any of the faxes she received over the years (I can't believe she wouldn't have kept every one of them!). I believe her story, but maybe Nelle did run from her as she claims when asked about the book, maybe after a few months of this girl hanging around next door.

I looked at the author's website and it doesn't say anything about her continuing communication or visits with Nelle since the book. The website shows she is doing a few signings this year in IL and AZ. It would be great to get to ask her in person!

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Julia Schult No, it is clear from the story and from public statements by Miss Alice that the author was very careful to only "take what was offered" for inclusion in the book.

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