Brantford Public Library's Online Book Club discussion

This book has a dramatic ending. Did you find it surprising? Was it a relief? Were your satisfied with the final outcomes for all the characters?

I did not expect to be transported 50 yrs forward. I am pleased that Jane and Gavin end up together. I love that because of his intuitive, young daughter, he knew Jane was worth fighting for.
I'm thrilled that Jane and Ivy finally meet again. Jane was haunted by the fact she didn't know what happened to Ivy and baby Mary. Imagine searching for someone for all those years and coming up with nothing. She would be very thankful to Brianna for helping to happily close a sad chapter in her life.
I feel that justice is finally served knowing Jane and Ivy are going to testify against the Government running the Eugenics program.
I feel content in learning that Ivy had 2 good marriages, other children and a productive, happy life. She is thankful for this but thankful to Jane as well.
I had tears in my tears when I read that there is tangible evidence still that "Ivy and Mary was here"; that what happened to them had not been fully erased. With the photo we come full circle in the story.
Now that I'm looking back on all this, I'm glad I read this very compelling novel. I came to care for so many of the characters but am still sad about Mary killing herself . It would have been too tidy. Mr. Gardener doesn't get true, legal justice in the story but Mary saw to it that he has to live with himself and the vision of him killing her FOR THE REST of his life.

I was disappointed in the ending. Although it was fulfilling to have a reunion between Jane and Ivy the marriage between Jane and Gavin was just too predictable and even formulaic.

Dianne had to give the majority of readers a somewhat happy ending, she wants to sell more books. I think many authors fall into the "formula" writing category.