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A Fatal Grace,
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Chris Hinkle
It seems clear to me that Louise Penny is letting the readers believe (with Clara and Gamache) that if they didn't actually meet God, then something pretty close to that happened. El's knowledge of what Clara needed to hear, like the lemon pie, confirms the presence of grace.
Terri
Penny doesn't make this clear. I suspect that she became familiar with Clara's name and artwork through her occasional visits with the Three Graces. Since Three Pines is an artistic conclave and Elle herself was an artist her old friends could easily have shared pictures of or discussed Clara's art with her. Elle might even have looked it up for herself during her more lucid periods.
Mary
Answer, no. Penny leaves this a bit ambiguous for a reason -- it's about faith. Clara heard something that could have been a message from God. Penny expands this idea with Gamache's recollection of a fisherman's beatific smile in a small diner, and a construction worker's sign -- Ice Ahead -- for Emilíe Longpré. They are moments of grace and comfort. If you have faith, they can be construed as messages from a benevolent God. Or you can see them as moments of self-awareness and enlightenment.
Maryanne
Although it may or may not be addressed more concretely in future books, I think the author is purposely leaving it open-ended to give us something to ponder. She implies, however, that Clara "recognized" the divine in Elle, and as result, received a very special/personal message.
Emily's Source Of Entertainment
I think Clara was vulnerable and heard what she wanted/needed to hear at that moment. It is what keeps Clara's character from floundering and slipping into depression or sadness, which is not her role in the community. She is the glue.
Ken
Small spoiler. I thought Elle had possibly followed and heard CC dismiss Clara's art and seeing how devastated Clara was she worked out who Clara was. Elle was being kind in return for Clara's kindness.
Peggy Palma
I seem to remember that Bea, Kaye and Em continued to find Elle on the streets to visit with her. They shared images of Clara's work with Elle.
Gretchen
In the process of solving the murder Gamache discovers that El was friends with the Three Graces. I don't think it is ever made clear when Clara started painting, but she may have seen it before she left Three Pines.
Lana Hasper
This answer contains spoilers…
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Dena Huff
What El says to Clara and the lemon pie cannot be explained, specifically, they require faith that they happened.
Susan
What do you think the paragraph about Crie being in the Caribbean is about? Foreshadowing?
Joe Rodeck
Just a clue that Elle isn't just a vagrant & she knows CC cruelly trashes Clara's work.
Michael Lottamoza
I am sure it will be answered in one of the following books .....
Lynn
The book answers this question - I wondered that, too, but it is explained as Gammache solves her murder.
Nancy Wright
I wondered about that, too.
I also didn't understand the ending. When Gamache and his wife were talking in the car at the end what was the significance of Billy Williams and lemon meringue pie? This completely ruined the book for me.
I also didn't understand the ending. When Gamache and his wife were talking in the car at the end what was the significance of Billy Williams and lemon meringue pie? This completely ruined the book for me.
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