Bookclub Discussion

     Some of us started discussing our pick for November,  My Abandonment by Peter Rock even before we'd filled our plates (the food was delicious) or accepted a glass of wine from the hosts.  This is what happens when a book is well-written but controversial.  What was the author's purpose for leaving us dangling so much?  Had Caroline been kidnapped or was she this man's daughter?  After his death why does she continue to live on the fringe of society?  We tossed the questions around, snapping answers back and forth but with no real answers-we just all had our own opinions.  Some never once thought about a kidnapping scenario and one couldn't stand the father character, even though she believed he was the real father.  If she had been kidnapped, why didn't the social service agency who worked so hard to get them settled on the farm, ever come up with this evidence?  Why is Elizabeth Smart thanked in the back of the book?  I love when a book brings out so much passion!!

     If you've read this book I am interested to know your thoughts.  My idea is that Peter Rock purposely leaves us dangling and questioning their relationship.  I've searched other blog posts about the book but didn't find any further insight.  I've moved on to Elizabeth C. Bunce's A Curse Dark as Gold, which is good but thankfully, is not as thought-provoking.  

     Here is a great video of Peter Rock describing his inspiration for the story: