Books and Jams Readalong discussion

Sorry for not setting up the rest of the book discussion posts sooner! I am now a resident of Virginia! Woo hoo!! The moving isn't finished, but I'm back to where I have more time for reading.

This brings us to 1/2 way through the book. What do you think of the writing style? Are there any quotes or sentences that have stood out to you along the way? What do you think about the gothic/dark aspect of the book?

I gotta be honest, this section almost made me DNF this book! I was finding it so slow and nothing seemed to be happening! I still enjoyed the setting and the writing, but was getting really annoyed with both Max and the protagonist. I am frustrated with the way he treats her and frustrated with her naivete and insecurities. I was glad that the last 2 chapters in this section seemed to pick up a bit and I am hoping to stay interested through the end of the book.

Did anyone else have this problem??

I never thought about DNF ing the book but I did not like Maxim one bit. She surely was different but stay tuned for the end of the story. :-)

Ugh. I just finished the part with the broken cupid. I cant believe Max treated her so unkindly - like a child - and put her down in front of the staff.

I did enjoy the walk and talk she had with Frank Crawlry and her boldness to ask about the past. I loved how he told her she was to take them into the future but she is so shy and inexperienced I dont see how anyone thinks she could manage it.

My favorite character so far is Beatrice. Sjes to the point but not in a mean way. Of course everyone is comparing the two wives; Beatrice seems to see the good in the new one and accepts her instead of hoping she'll be like Rebecca. Makes me wonder if she liked Rebecca?

I was definitely getting fed up with the narrator at this point. Maxim left on a trip and she felt a lot better but, she said, she couldn't figure out why. Um? I could guess?

I agree with many of the other comments here. I get so frustrated with Maxim and how he treats his wife. Why does everyone seem so secretive?

This is the point where I really started liking the book. The wife drives me crazy, but I felt like the story was really kicking into gear.

While reading, I highlighted a passage where she compares herself to Jasper the dog and Maxim patting her on the head like a good dog. She can see what's wrong with their relationship, but she just puts up with it.

Also, there were some things in chapter 13 where she delights in being alone, not worrying about what anyone else thinks. I think she's very introverted and being Maxim's wife is very overwhelming for her. She is definitely incredibly insecure! Of course, she's been thrown into a life she was totally unprepared for. And Maxim is no help at all.

Krista definitely agree with you at this point. I know I'm late reading the book, and I will keep reading, but I'm halfway done and sort of sick of always hearing about Rebecca too!!!!