Blast from the Past discussion

We are getting more into the story, how is the diary format affecting your reading? Is it adding to the story? Has anything surprised you yet? How do you feel about Lilli's character as she deals with her choice of keeping her baby?

I have really been enjoying this book!! I am really connecting with Lilli's feelings as a mother...maybe because I have an infant at home? I cannot imagine giving birth and A) giving away my baby and B) having to nurse somebody else's baby! I was so tired after feeding one! I am appalled at how unmarried women and children were treated at this time. Lilli did not ask for Johan to leave her! I'm hoping that Johan makes an appearance at the end of the book, and it was all a misunderstanding.

Also, Clementina seems to have postpartum depression maybe?

I don't think it's post-party's depression. I believe she is a woman who was forced into a role that society expected her to play, even though she was unsuited to it. Being a mother is rewarding for most of us, but it's also hard work. She couldn't be a musician, so she took on the newspaper job as an outlet. She was a career girl in the wrong era.

I'm also betting that Patience withheld letters from Johan. I think he probably did write, but Patience intercepted them. Lilli's father deserves Patience.

Jan wrote: "I'm also betting that Patience withheld letters from Johan. I think he probably did write, but Patience intercepted them. Lilli's father deserves Patience."
I get what you're saying. I was on the fence about it just being her character/personality or something more like PPD. I just can't imagine not wanting to hold your baby! Good thought on Patience, and yes you're right, her and Lilli's dad deserve each other!