Question C

[Jonetta]

Mercy’s family all have different reactions to her return. Whose were you the most surprised by? Do you think their opinions about her would be different if she were a man?

[Robin]

I was actually surprised that her mother opened her arms to Mercy. I thought she would side with her husband. Of course, by the time Mercy met with them, her sister was missing and she was with law enforcement and willing to help. That is the reason her father didn't order her out of the house.

Their opinions might be different if she were a man. Levi eventually broke away from his family's beliefs, but they didn't shun him.

[Anita]

I agree with Robin, I was surprised her mother welcomed her back.

[Charlene]

I think they might have felt more betrayed if a son had left the fold; the dad just wouldn't have had that kind of power over, and attitude toward, the female family members. The only one who seemed truly free was Rose, imho.

[Jonetta]

I also agree with Robin except that her mother had a more muted behavior when she was around her husband. There is definitely a double standard when it comes to the women in this “tribe.” While there’s disappointment with the men who aren’t following in the traditional prepper path (Levi, Mike), the women aren’t given any latitude...it’s all or nothing. That’s consistent with their dismissive attitude towards them.

Charlene, I believe Rose is given a pass because she’s blind. They have no expectations of her, which is disappointing in itself.

[Jonetta]

Oh, I was most surprised by Levi, in the beginning. After learning what he did, it made more sense.

[Sharon]

I was surprised by Levi and Pearl. Mercy felt close to Levi growing up. I agree his reactions are cleared up as the story moves forward.

Pearl is conflicted. She wants to embrace Mercy, but she doesn't want to go against her husband. Her reluctance to fully accept Mercy is painful at times.

[Jonetta]

Pearl’s conflict was a great example of how deeply rooted our values are instilled from childhood. She’s learned to take her cues from the men who control her thinking and behavior. It was definitely painful to see her hold back with Mercy.

[Christina T]

I was surprised Mercy's mom opened her arms to Mercy. It was a touching scene. Her dad's attitude definitely didn't surprise me. I was really surprised by the almost misogynistic attitude of the men in general. A woman are only as good as her man. The women seem unopinionated, meek, and subservient. Not to mention just because Rose was blind no one had any expectations for her. Which just rubbed me wrong. Oh I think I went on a tangent. This was supposed to be about Mercy's family attitude towards her.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

The family's reactions are what I would have expected given the history and beliefs of the family as articulated by the author. Although as mentioned, the fact that her Mother went against the father was a bit surprising. Just shows how strong the mother-daughter bond can be.

[Jonetta]

I agree, Lisa, about the mother-daughter bond here. Seeing Mercy for the first time after all these years transcended all doctrines. This was her child.

[Sandra]

I think the family reactions are representative of these type preppers, cults, and/or communities. In all that I've ever read about, males dominate. Women are less and expected to obey men. I agree that the mother instinct took over at the second Mercy's mother saw her again, but she was still subdued around her husband. I was surprised by Levi the most - It was hard to understand until I got more info about the past.

[Ellen]

I wasn't surprised by the reactions except a little by Levi. It seemed to go along the lines of male versus female. Levi's was different due to their shared secret which unfolded during the story. Pearl was in between and could go either way.