Reading the Chunksters discussion

1. The things are still in the same vein as they have been for the last couple of weeks. It is a battle of wits, a tapestry of the past histories, and smoke and mirrors of the truth the main characters hide. Because the past is always there, is it relevant for the possible crime that is being panned by Foole and his ilk?

2. Does anyone know a definitive answer about the author who ostensibly wrote novels with the unrealistic setting of the flying bird-machines? It is definitely not Wells; the only one who comes to mind is Samuel Butler with his Utopian Erewhon. All the other authors were named in the book, and this one was only alluded to, and it makes me wonder and wonder who it could be ... Am I over-reaching when I try to put a name on every author who could have been mentioned or alluded to?

3. Let me ask you the same question William asked Shade. What come to him, of all people? Does he want to be caught? Is is his redemptive impulse?

Nope. No idea who that author might be. I read Erewhon long, long ago, so long ago I don't remember any of it except the title almost spells "nowhere" backwards. That's what I remember.

Foole may be a fool for planning this caper after seeing Pinkerton, the inspector, and the art dealer (sp?) together at the gathering. But I don't think this is an act of redemption so much as desperation. I'm guessing he contacted Pinkerton because there is unsettled business between the two concerning dear old dad.

I don't know about the author either. Perhaps someone else will have a suggestion.

I too was surprised about the plans for a new heist. It also seems like we have traveled quite far from the original "Charlotte crime". Her story has become a minor side note to Pinkerton and Foole's on-going dance with the past.

And I have come to like Foole quite a bit more than Pinkerton.

MichelleCH wrote:" And I have come to like Foole quite a bit more than Pinkerton. "

Have you? Is it because he fooled us?

More because he feels more likeable and 'real' to me. He is also able to show his vulnerability through his relationship with Molly. Pinkerton's wife and daughters are so distant and he is so single-minded that I didn't care what ended up happening to him at all.

Exact;y, Michelle.

Sorry for being absent. I'll start catchup later this week.

I also agree. William may be the "good" guy here, but I shot like him much. Especially, didn't in something like chapter 3, he sent a letter to his wife saying he was heading home? I think it was right after he talked to Sally. and of course, he is still there...

I did like the way he managed to get all of Foole's vital information in this section though! Very smart.