Multiple POVs in THE THINGS WE KEEP

[St. Martin's Press, Publisher]

The Things We Keep is told from the points of view of Eve, Anna, and Clem. How does this structure enhance your experience as a reader? How would this novel have been different had certain sections been omitted or told from a different point of view?

[Melissa]

This is a fantastic question. I haven't been able to stop thinking about the book as it is so this just adds an entirely new and great perspective. Just now saw the question so I'm going to think on this.

My first thoughts of whom I think might have changed anything are to have heard from two particular characters.......and I've already shrink wrapped the book and it's on my bookshelf so I have to go take it out of it's wrapping. I'm seriously/clinically OCD, sorry. Be back for this great question.

Thank you, St. Martin's! These groups are always so much fun.

[Melissa]

Trying to do this without spoilers.....


This is such a challenging question because the book as is, is wonderful. The question above is one of many possibilities. First, I have to say that books told in multiple POV's switching by chapter are one of my favorite writing/reading styles. That format always keeps the story moving, never bogged down. The thrill of the current POV while also excitedly waiting for the other to continue. Okay, got that out of the way now to the toughest question.....

How do you change what's already fanstastic as is? Tough, why do that, but this is fun so first I think I wanted to 'feel' more of the frustration that Eve felt for Anna and the situation. I wanted to "hear" her fighting back more. I wanted her to be screaming/being much more firm with Anna's brother! I wanted to shake Anna's brother and make him see what everyone else did. To back off and let Love be regardless.

At the same time, having had something happen to me while I slept, I can also understand on a different level, his point about Anna not being in the state to make such decisions as she wished for. I know when I was sleeping I had zero ability to make any decision when that person just took it from me so I did sympathize with him, however in fiction, I just wanted him to let her be, to let her love freely, to be more present in the story so it could have been shown to him how clear as day it was what Anna deserved and she was all that much better with what she wanted!!

On the part of Eve and Clem, all I could have hoped for was for her story aside from Anna to have been stronger, so maybe a book two could come into play here ;) *hint* because that part of this book was wonderful and heated anticipation needing to be extended.

One of my favorite parts on back story characters is Bert and Myrna. From beginning to end it was perfect, sad and beautiful.

I loved the book as is, I would have loved for more strength, firmness put into some of the characters actions, but it's beautiful as is. There are endless possibilities, but I wouldn't change much more than what I wrote above. It's a stunning, heart breaking, beautiful story.

My answer feels so lame. I'll probably be back. Thank you for the awesome question. Makes me think and I love thinking of things creative.

[Charlene]

I haven't gotten a copy of this book yet, but my husband has Alzheimer's Disease, so I think this book is the one I would like to read very much.

[St. Martin's Press, Publisher]

Melissa wrote: "This is a fantastic question. I haven't been able to stop thinking about the book as it is so this just adds an entirely new and great perspective. Just now saw the question so I'm going to think o..."

We're so glad you enjoy this group, Melissa!

[Diane]

For me each POV added a special element to the story. I think Clem's story was the most unique. You saw love, lost, illness, and all these people through this child. Her perspective was so moving. Every character added so much the book would not have been the same if written any other way.

[Melissa]

St. Martin's Press wrote: "Melissa wrote: "This is a fantastic question. I haven't been able to stop thinking about the book as it is so this just adds an entirely new and great perspective. Just now saw the question so I'm ..."

Thank you so much, St. Martin's. I do. So much more than anyone may ever realize. Thank you for all you do. So many of us find our only joy, hope, inspiration and courage to get through one more day because of our books of course, and most definitely all of you! xo