The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy (November 2022) Group Reads Discussion

[laurel [the suspected bibliophile]]

This is the group thread for The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy

This thread is open for discussion beginning November 15th! Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed (mark as a spoiler) in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days of the month can be used to catch up if needed! Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads.

The Group Read Discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 11/15:
November 15: Chapters 1-3
November 16: Chapters 4-6
November 17: Chapters 7-9
November 18: Chapters 10-12
November 19: Chapters 13-15

Week of 11/20
November 20: Chapters 16-18
November 21: Chapters 19-21
November 22: Chapters 22-24
November 23: Chapters 25-27
November 24: Chapters 28-30
November 25: Chapters 31-33
November 26: Chapters 34-36

Week of 11/27
November 27: Chapters 37-40
November 28: Chapters 41-epilogue

You can read the group book at any time during the month and at your own pace. This is the pace the group will be using, but if you read ahead or will be giving spoilers, please mark them (click the "some html is ok button"). If you have any questions a mod or another member can help you.

[Laura ☾]

I'm planning to start this shortly!

[Laura ☾]

Up to about Chapter 10 - not technically a spoiler as it's in the summary but the whole 'letter to a friend' idea is really cute!

So far I'm finding that the writing style is enjoyable and easy to read, and I'm definitely curious to see where this will go!

[Jen K]

Started this last night and agree that it is super cute so far. I like the owl postman sending Hart's letter with a definite destination. I'm excited to see how it works out with Pen.

I've only managed one letter but I also really like that format.

[Laura ☾]

Ok so I finished this - MY EMOTIONS!!

(view spoiler)[ the whole time mercy was tending to his body 😭😭😭 I can’t. I was thinking he has to come back the entire time!

And yeah he should have told her sooner but it wasn’t unforgivable (hide spoiler)]

[Laura ☾]

Oh and Pen is the cutest!

[Jen K]

Finished chapter 5 only but really enjoying so far. I love Hart and Mercy working through their own stuff, Mercy's fun family and Pen and Leonard of course. I'm not surprised that you are saying "emotions"! Excited to keep reading.

[Jen K]

I'm about 50% through. I'm going to use the spoiler for everything.

(view spoiler)[I'm so sad for both Hart and Mercy. Hart loved Bill like a father but maybe needs to realize he was just a man with flaws and to reevaluate some of the biases that he passed on. I'm almost to finding out what happened to Bill (I think). Poor Mercy, her family really isn't listening to her. She sounds like an outstanding undertaker and they keep thinking that by giving up the business they are saving her. They all need to have a serious family talk and actually listen to each other.

Then the letters. Hart totally cheated and kind of flubbed it though I do understand his being taken off guard by Mercy's reaction but she didn't have a chance to know and process that her friend was Hart so it was a bit unfair. I really hope that he can improve things. They both need each other if they can get past the negative assumptions. (hide spoiler)]

[Jen K]

I meant to say that I finished this one. It was adorable and others should read it.

[Jen K]

@Laura (view spoiler)[ Yes!! You wanted him to come back to life but not, I loved the twist of him passing and finally meeting his dad.

He totally should have told her sooner but definitely not unforgivable. She should have reminded him to come back and try again. They were ridiculous but so adorable as well! (hide spoiler)]