Random Reads discussion

Let's discuss chapters 23-33 here.

Ok then! Lol things are amping up now! The scene with Tamsen hearing the noises in the dark and frantically trying to build fires was intense. I was definitely creeped out. The idea of being watched by something like that is so unnerving. And then in the other group with people “going mad” is also creepy. Everything is just unraveling. I’m excited to see how it ends and who ends up surviving (I don’t remember if that was ever told to us in the beginning).

Stanton's back story was rough. Seems like everyone had some kind of trauma or tragedy back in those days!

Yes it was. How traumatic!

Understanding why they split, but it's not a good idea. I mean they seem to be losing it and that's totally understandable. There doesn't seem to be a lot left and getting anxious for the ending. I have to admit I'm not as bothered by it as I thought I truly thought I might be. Getting closer to these characters than I thought I might.

Agreed - that poor girl (Lydia) and how no one ever really understood her true story except Stanton.

Yes, the part with the sounds outside the tent was really creepy! Just imagine having everyone you care about all crammed inside one tent in a place that is totally unknown to you. And then. You hear the noises and start to feel like you're surrounded. Shudder.

The part where the one boy cuts off the other boy's ear and eats it! Yugh. That was probably one of the most intense parts of this for me.

I'm noticing there is some interesting feminist commentary here. Some of the most intuitive and relatable characters are women. We have Tamsen with her (well-founded) fears of what's coming and her desire for survival and Mary Graves with her ability to speak up and think logically. And all of the creatures that have been seen to this point are all characterized as male. The most humanized male character (Edwin Bryant) is also the least "macho" with his "book learnin'" and his glasses and his sympathies for the Native Americans. Even when George Donner steps up to protect his wife, he almost seems to do so as though she is his possession and really just an extension/reflection of himself. He doesn't seem to protect her for her human value and personality.

Looking forward to finishing this one out. :) Hope all is well with my fellow readers!