Question K

[Jonetta]

Alexander Barrett dies from Alzheimer’s disease. Your thoughts about how the siblings reflected on him as a father?

[Lauren]

This side plot was so sad.
Despite their admiration and respect for their father, it was clear that each of the Barrett siblings had trouble with his inability to express his fatherly affection toward them (even though it was obviously there). Now they will never get the chance.

[Jonetta]

I agree, Lauren, it was sad. It’s awful that it took Lee’s death to bring them together and I really liked how they were able to more clearly see and acknowledge their father...the good and the not so good. They all benefited from his survival training and appreciated how he stepped up after their mother died.

It’s a cautionary reminder to make peace while you can. I thought the author did an amazing job of providing balance regarding this issue.

[Lauren]

Jonetta wrote: "It’s a cautionary reminder to make peace while you can. I thought the author did an amazing job of providing balance regarding this issue."

Exactly!

[Sharon]

Yes. The General was an interesting character. He didn't know how to love as a traditional father, but he did love his children. His loss of mobility then the Alzheimer's is a sad commentary on the end of anyone's life.

Another excellent depiction of a family's struggle.

[Anita]

He was a tough person. He was hard on his children and he thought that was what they needed to survive in the world.

[Karen ♐]

I felt so bad for his family. He was really tough on them when they were just kids and it did take Lee's death to bring them all back together.