Reader's Ink discussion

I (Carol) have been to Carlsbad Caverns three times, and I’ve been to some of the side caves two times during my own life time. I’m so impressed with it, but the caves I went to were mostly beautifully excavated, lighted, and trails in place. The second cave was much more primitive and we carried flashlights for light, held onto ropes to follow rough trails. So I got a slight, I stress slight, taste of what Anna was facing. Very fascinating feel of emotions.

Claustrophobia: abnormal dread of being in closed or narrow spaces. Put yourself in Anna’s position
who has a confirmed knowledge of claustrophobia. How would you have done. I know several of you are runners, swimmers, hikers, etc. How would you do, and how do you think Anna did.

I would've bailed. Early. I don't have claustrophobia (though I'm not crazy about crowds--but really, who is?), but I get antsy with heights (my girls who also went on up the Mayan ruins in Belize, during which I repeated screamed, "NOBODY TOUCH ME!" for fear an excessive startle response would send us all tumbling to our deaths can attest to this).

As for Anna, well, I haven't read the other Anna Pigeon novels, so I don't know if she shows signs of claustrophobia in the other novels or not. I'm guessing this is a trait Barr gave Anna just for this novel, to heighten the conflict, but I could be wrong.

I thoroughly enjoyed my 5 trips to the caves I've been to in the past. They were enchanting to me, and I really enjoyed being in a different environment than I had been to before. We had the privilege of going with rangers to the second and third caves, and to learn about all the efforts they put forth in excavating was awesome to me. Really loved it. I don't seem to have claustrophobia too badly, however I wasn't as enclosed as this group was and have to go by ropes ON & OFF. Amazing. If my body were healthier than it is, I'd like to have training to do this. COOL!

How neat that you have been there! You probably had an easier time picturing the inside of the cave than I did...