Discussion Thread for Part One (or beyond)

[Gingerbug]

Part One runs from Grandmama finding out that she is being shipped away for the holidays...up until Maude dies and she decides to set out to visit Maude's family.

My first thought is that I was more annoyed at their treatment of Grandmama than anything else. I realize she is suppose to be a dreadful, complaining old biddy but I suppose I thought Emily handled her a bit harshly so it set me into some sympathy for the old bat...right off.

Second of all...Maude seemed a delightful character and I wish there had a bit more time for her part in the story to be developed....seems we were only getting to know her and bam...gone! I knew immediately that Grandmama was all a front...she was interested in Maude but too jealous of her adventures or her positive attitude to admit it. Reminds me of people that waste their lives wallowing in their own "issues" and miss out on all the fun of living.

One of my favorite quotations from this part is..."The pain is only for a moment..the joy is forever." Spoken by Maude as she explains her travels and feeling horribly tired but also the beauty of the land. Sort of reminds me of childbirth...although the pain was a bit longer than a moment....but still it was for a short time and the joy is forever.

So those are my thoughts of part one....and yours???

[MrsH]

While I was reading Part 1, I thought often of how families treat their elderly. They either embrace them or want to hide them away. I thought both women were great. I would love to read a book on Maude's life, wouldn't you?

[irishgirl]

I am hooked! I think Maude is GREAT! So much joy de vive!! I think we will find out that Grandmama has always had alittle wanderlust in her but was too much of a "gentle lady" and concerned about her station in life (because of the way she was raised) that she couldn't just go out and DO the way Maude did. I agree that Emily was a bit tricky in her handling of Grandmama but lets be honest Grandmama isn't the easiest person to get along with and I think Emily wanted some time with her husband at the holidays. I am looking forward to Grandmama awakening of self.:hello:

[Gingerbug]

Okay...waiting for some other input from all those people that read the book BEFORE they were suppose to...LOL

[Gingerbug]

Some people over at MHH...thought it odd that Grandmama immediately jumped to the conclusion that Maude had been murdered...anyone find that odd????

[JayIsh]

I can't say I found it odd that she felt it was murder, just somewhat predictable...I REALLY enjoyed the book, but would have loved to hear more about the traditions and decorations of the old English Christmas. I found Maude's family almost intolerable and selfish from the start...Maude was a delightful character and Grandmama a royal pain...Can't wait for the next part!

[MrsH]

I don't find it odd, because I've read some of the other non-Christmas murder mysteries and she has an "investigative" family, always looking for something that's just not right.

[Maureen]

LA LA LA LA - Not Reading these posts - haven't finished even the first bit yet - I hid the book away so I wouldn't read it, then lost it, found it again, on vacation so was too busy to read, back at work tomorrow so it will come with me (hey, I'm working out my notice - it's not like they can fire me!) LA LA LA LA

[SparkleNana]

This is a WONDERFUL book! You WILL enjoy it. And you will remember the characters!

[jody664]

Ooooh, I wanna join!! I'm heading to the bookstore tonight to pick up the book. Hopefully I can catch up!!

[SparkleNana]

When do we go on to discuss the rest of the book?

[Gingerbug]

Right NOW...Part Two discussion goes from the trip to Maude's family to the point where she dresses in the housekeeper's good black dress and prepares to confront Maude's family.

[Gingerbug]

I found it interesting in Part Two...how different Grandmama could be with Maude's family...it sort of reminds me that sometimes we act as others "expect" us to act...so with Maude's family she could be totally different as they had no set expectations.

[SparkleNana]

That is a very good point, Gingerbug - Grandmama reinvented herself. At a very mature age, and without much experience, but she did a very good job of reinventing herself. This really fun book doesn't trap us in "details of life" from the past. It goes right to very universal human experiences. And - did I mention that it is fun to read?

[Maureen]

I have finished the book! Is it just me or did Mariah jump to a lot of conclusions in a very short space of time and after the confrontation at the dinner table the book just........ finished. It didn't really wind down it was "this is what's happened, I'll go back to my family now, the end"!!

[Gingerbug]

Yes I found the ending a bit abrupt also...the booki was a good easy read but not detailed or indepth...just asimple telling of a story...sort of the kind you'd hear at a family reunion!! LOL