I find it hard to respond to this book not because it was bad but it was so wonderfully written. The first chapter made me gasp and cry imagining this innocent, naive girl being sought after by a disturbed man. The writting is done sot hat it allows you to understand thow each person is thinking during the events at the time. I think this is what I liked best, how thought provoking the book is to the reader. On page 14 when Susie describes simply leaving her body and whil fighting and stryggling she can hear her mother calling her name for dinner, I mean how horrible is this yet so powerful. This innocent young girl is so close to home yet so far away in the Earth being taken away. It reminds you of the similiarities of your own life and that this is capiable of happenitng to any one of us. I could sense the sweetness in her mom's voice wanting for her daughter to come home and join the family.
Once in heaven it is fascinating to see life go on for her family along with her own in Heaven. It brings comfort that she is able to see her fmaily however Susie experiences the pain of the family breaking apart while the killer is still free. IT was fascinating how the author had Susie talking aboutt he places she wen with Harvey at the time of her death and how she felt and even what she saw through her dead body.
The text makes you rethink about the death and Heaven. I questioned would I want to see my loved ones struggle with my loss and then move on with their life. To witness what I could have would seem to be devasting. Susie even mentioned living through Lindsey even though she should be the one in college. It really puts into presepctive how fragile life is and what those that die young miss out on in life.
I also found it to be truly amazing to think that those we've lost can still be with us and watching over us. It gives you the feeling that you never have to be apart from those we love. In a way the stroy allows you to become okay with the idea of death and heaven.
Although the story has to many sections to discuss all of them I thought the very beginning and last few chapters to be extradinary. When Susie had the chance to be with Ray it was like fulfiling part of her young adulthood that would make being dead a little more easier being able to have a chance to see good-bye to a boy who was special to her. You could sense the pain, happiness, and love. I wished they could stay like this forever.In that moment is was as if it was saying it is time to let and move on.
This book allows the reader to do personal reflection of their own life. Initially I got so angry with the mom for just leaving but soon realized who am I to say how you should act when your child is murdered and flips the dynamic of you life. My heart aches for any family and child that would ever endure such events. I think this book signifies that although it can be a difficult experience and seem like life will never get better there is a chance for a happy life once you get passed the dark period.
It was a bittersweet ending for Lindsey to now have her baby and leave Susie in her memories not constantly on her mind. She again I think the story is showing that once gone we come back in various ways to be around those that we love. Then when the couple found Susie's bracelet it makes you think that there are always clues around us that might signify answers to someone else.
4 comments:
I agree with your "so far, yet so far away" comment. It was difficult to read and know that Susie is so close, yet so terribly far from her family. The scene with Ray and Susie was also a favorite of mine. I was hoping that there was going to be some way in which she could stay with him forever AND I was sad that Buckley couldn't hear her voice on the phone. I agree too that Lindsey's pregnancy helped her let go of Susie. I think this in turn helped Susie see that she could let go as well.
I found your comment about how sometimes we don't realize how those little things around us may be so significant to others to be very true. I think that's one of the points to Ruth's character in the story. Ruth seems to take the time to listen, to look for those things strange and to accept the gut instincts and premonitions she feels. Even little things like the daffodils may seem ordinary to some, but represented Susie and her mother accepting the reality of the situation in this book. It kind of makes you think about the memorials you sometimes see at intersections around town- some people see them and look the other way, while some may see them as significantly more.
I had a hard time reading this book. It was disturbing and confusing for me at times. There were times when I had to stop and think is Susie talking to us or observing an event. I did feel that it took you into all aspects of grief and mourning and we definitely don't know how we will react until we actually live it. I would be interested to know if Sebold lost a family member or close friend to a violent death.
I think Sebold was able to make this book unforgettable, as a gifted writer and her subject matter. I think you are correct. We all read this book wondering at the pain and horror while at the same time thinking "this could happen to me or someone I love". That aspect of the book makes it very real to everyone who experiences susie's journey and travels along with her family through what is left to them of their lives. No one walks away untouched in the pages of this novel, whether a character or an observer.
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