Question A

[Jonetta]

In the Prologue, we meet Michelle Renard as a wild child living with her father and two brothers in the bayou. There’s no mother in the picture. Several references are made to Michelle’s high IQ and skill with a knife which makes one wonder where it’s leading. Share your thoughts about Michelle at this point in the story and your thoughts on repeated references to her skill with a knife. What purpose does the prologue serve?

[Anita]

The prologue gives us a look at a child who is exceptionally smart and a family that has suffered a tragedy. We don't know exactly what happened to the mother, we just know she is not there with the family. It showed a father who would do what it took to make sure his daughter succeeded.

[Sandra]

I agree, Anita. But at the time I read the Prologue, for a brief few, I wondered if Michelle was going to turn out to be a killer...or something. It doesn't take long to figure out she's good, but I had a fleeting moment when I wondered just what this girl would grow up to be with such knife skills. Surgeon didn't enter my mind at this point.

[Sharon]

I agree with both of you. We see a family who is hurting with a daughter who has everything it takes to succeed. The question running around in my head, "Is Michelle going to be the killer?"

I love the family relationship, especially Michelle and her father.