Books and Jams Readalong discussion

Thoughts on Chapters 2, 3 and 4

I am not sure why but I really feel for Agnes. I feel like there is definitely another side to this story. The way the author has Agnes speak about Natan you can see she was in love with him. It makes me wonder if she actually killed him. Later in Chapter 4 When Agnes is talking with Toti the reverend and she is explaining that people act as if they know you based on one action that occurred or mistake made. I get the feeling this a foreshadowing to the night of the murder, and what actual happened.
I am surprised by how Marget is with Agnes. She handles her being there a lot better than I thought she would. I think she is shocked by how horrible she was cared for. Even though she gets her cleaned up she still isn't that civil to her but surprises me when speaking with the neighbor . She doesn't come to her defense but she does state that the two that were murdered were not the most up standing people either.
The two sisters are surprising me also the one I thought would be rude is being the opposite. Surprises all around. lol

It is definitely keeping me on my toes. I am surprised how much I am enjoying reading this. Need to find a new word for surprise lol.
Hope everyone else is liking it as much as I am.

In Chapter 2 I love that Margret showed a bit of compassion and sass! She kept complaining and was quite fearful and angry about having to house Agnes, but when she saw her she immediately had some kind of compassion. She allowed her to wash and made them take off her shackles.

Phew I was right! In chapter 3 there's a sentence that shows there's more to the story of the murders. Up until this point it was just an inkling I had as well. Then during one section where it's Agnes' perspective we get this sentence, "I wake every morning with a blow of grief to my heart." I want to know more...but it feels good to know I was right. There is another side to this story!

I'm loving the writing. Here's another sentence I wanted to stop and think about for a minute. It's also in chapter 3 when Margret is speaking outside to Agnes and explaining all the things that need to be done and calls her a criminal. Agnes thinks "But what is the use of protesting against language." I can feel a bit of hopelessness in these words. I think in this day and age we're currently living (without getting too political) there's a time for protesting and a time to just act. Instead of using words to fight words find something to do within your circle. I have a feeling Agnes will "win them over" by the way she acts as the story goes on. At least I hope so.

To keep this from getting too long I'll stop here. I am still reading Ch 3 and finishing 4 tonight too so I'll add more in a bit.

I just started chapter 4 and find that the District Commissioner Bjorn reminds me of Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice. He's a bit sniveling and insipid. After nitpicking about money in his letter to the Deputy Governor, I can't believe he asked about what to do with the axe after the execution. I couldn't help but chuckle. I definitely don't like this guy!

I like that we are getting a bit more of Agnes' story here in chap. 4. Although it's hard to know what's true or just hearsay. I think that's her point as she talks about memories being "the glaze of ice over the water, too fragile to trust."

Like Wendy, I'm really liking this story so far! I am very interested to know a bit more about the real Agnes' that this story is based off of.

The writing is just so captivating and haunting! For some reason, I thought I was going to have a hard time getting into this but I'm so into it lol. It's one of those books that I know I will be slowly sacking it as I go along. I'm so excited to learn more about the mystery surrounding the murders and exactly what happened.

I'm not sure I have any favorite characters but I'm liking Agnes, Steina, and Toti quite a bit so far. (Also I picture Toti looking like Mr. Bingley from the Keira Knightley Pride and Prejudice movie!) :)

And Krista, I agree with you about the "language" quote! It's a relevant, interesting interpretation. :) I definitely had to go back and read that line a few times!

*savoring

Just finished Chapter 2. I just had a feeling that Margret was going to badass and I have so much more respect for her now. I dying to know the answer to all my questions about Agnes. There has to be something big coming in the up coming chapter. P.S. I'm so hooked that I had to get this on Audio, this way I can listen in my car. Audio is really good.