Persephone Books discussion

I have finished, and have mixed feelingsabout the ending.

I would have liked a bit more here. I thought the ending was rather abrupt. I was quite satisfied by it though.

I had thought The a probably wouldn't enjoy gloating over Mr Lockwood 's downfall, but she would have been just as dissatisfied if she had done nothing. I also think it was all about to unravel for him anyway, so if she hadn't been responsible for it, it would still have happened. With that last scene in the office, she can now feel she has also been a force for good.

We all know what is going to happen with her and Oliver. I do like him and I'm sure he will go far.

I like to think that once Mr Lockwood has served his time, the family will move to Switzerland and become much nicer people. All apart from Clare of course, who will marry Martin.

Tania, I liked the way Whipple showed through Thea that revenge is not always all it’s cracked up to be. She thought she’d feel on top of the world but instead felt guilt about ruining their lives. Only Mr Lockwood seemed to feel no guilt for the money he had stolen from so many. He did it so his family could be elevated at the expense of others.
Even after 466 pages, I wanted it to continue. This book was unputdownable for me. I love the way she creates these people.

Absolutely agree, she is a master at characterisation. I loved that there was that glimpse in Switzerland of potential redemption for Mr Lockwood. He had started to see that maybe there was another way.

He did seem to want to come home and make everything right. But would he have? We’ll never know. I wonder how his wife and daughters would react. Mrs Lockwood loved her status- people love to watch the mighty fall.
I do agree that Thea would end up with Oliver and Clare with her brother. Oliver will make them all rich. He didn’t seem sure that Thea should expose the Lockwood- I wonder if he will doubt her now. I needed 100 more pages. 🤣🤣

I felt that he was more concerned about the effect out would have on her, and rightly so. I don't think he will doubt her, I feel that he would be there for her to lean on when she doubts herself.

I feel a bit better at the idea of no more new to me Whipple novels. I do really like the Classics editions though, so I'm looking forward to seeing what High Wages will look like, I'll happily read that one again when it comes out, and I'm planning on reading The Priory soon, I don't remember that one very well.

I agree that the ending was a little abrupt and I wish it had gone on. I'm not sure Mr. Lockwood will change...
And similar to what Tania and Antoinette mentioned, I love Whipple's characterization and how human her characters are! Thea's regret after exposing Mr. Lockwood was very relatable. It didn't feel quite as good in reality vs. the fantasy.