Question E

[Jonetta]

Joe Paoletti and Charles Ashton are best friends but have a complicated relationship. That friendship is tested when Joe agrees to an interview where he plans to reveal the truth about Charles’ World War II actions. Did your initial impressions of these men change throughout the story?

[Sharon]

I know military buddies are strong relationships. My father had friends he served with his whole life. The same with my father in law.

I don't think my impression of their friendship changed. It isn't unusual for friends to argue. I did wonder how they remained friends for so long when I found out about Cybele. I believe it was their service and bravery that bonded them.

At that point, I thought about how hard it is to be in love with the same person as your friend. Charles tried to fight his feelings for Cybele because he knew how much Joe loved her. Unfortunately, she didn't love Joe. I'm not sure their friendship would be as strong if Cybele lived.

[Robin]

My impression of their friendship didn't change at all. They went through the war together which bonded them for life. I was somewhat surprised that the situation with Cybele didn't break that bond.

[Anita]

My impression didn't change either. I didn't think that Joe planning to talk to the reporter and Charles being so adamantly against it was going to rupture their friendship.

[Joanne Farley]

My assessment of Charles changes towards the end of the novel when we finally got to hear his story. I kinds disliked him a little at the start, I came to appreciate what he suffered all those years - I am however in no way excusing his bad behaviour These guys has been friends for so long I don't think anything could have changed that

[Jonetta]

I agree with Sharon about the relationships formed between those in military service. I experienced it through my Dad and the community is unparalleled. While there may be disagreements and friction over an issue here or there, that bond is almost unbreakable. I never thought that interview would do anything other than give them something to argue about.

The origin of their friendship was rocky because of their shared love for Cybele but it was always clear she’d never leave France, even if she had lived. These two had a shared destiny, too.

My opinion of Charles evolved dramatically from the beginning. I disliked him initially but saw him change because of the influence of not only Cybele but all those people giving up everything for a common cause.