Michaela’s Comments (group member since Jul 11, 2016)

Michaela’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Questions and Comments for July 13
Chapters 7- 14
(Sorry for writing in on break day - just needed to catch up, and figured I would just start with this section of the novel!)

1) What is your opinion of each of the characters so far? Do any of them stand out to you?

The novel's main protagonist, Madeline, is the driving force in this story. Although she gets dragged along and it seems Ellis and Hank make most of the decisions, it is clear to me that Madeline will take hold of her own future (somehow) on this quest to find the Loch Ness monster. Part of the beauty and frustration with Gruen's writing style is the elusive character development; we only see certain sides of the characters until they are fully revealed. Agreeing with what others have noted, I think there is much more to the background than we currently have been shown.

2) I couldn't believe that Hank and Ellis left Maddie alone with no note, no ration book, and no idea if she would be allowed to stay in the inn. Were you surprised by their treatment?

Unfortunately, looking at characters like Ellis and Hank and expecting them to behave in any other way would almost be unfair. Both boys were "Harvard boys," as they call themselves, and have had the world at their feet their entire lives. There is no accountability, and their treatment of others is abhorrent and entitled; therefore it was not surprising to me that they had left Maddie there to fend for herself. The impulses and desires of Hank and Ellis cannot be deterred by anything, and because of their self-centered worldviews, it probably didn't even cross their minds to be worried for Madeline.

3) Ellis' drinking and episodes of anger don't seem to be anything new to Hank and Maddie. Do you think this is a symptom of a larger problem?

Ellis has been quick to anger since the morning the Colonel and Edith removed them from their home. When placed into scenarios of stress that he has yet to encounter in his privileged live, Ellis has difficulty coping in any other way. Add this to the fact that alcohol has probably been a large influence on his social scene for many years, and he is experienced in coping mechanisms, but not in repercussions for his actions. Moving forward, this will definitely pose a problem for him, not only in avenging the family name, but in his personal relationships with both Hank and Madeline.