2013 Clutch Reading Challenge discussion

Let's discuss part two of Wench here.

We are introduced to Fran in part II; what do you think about Fran and (her) children. Will Nate & May regain their "status"? Fran tried to show her upper hand when visitor number one arrived; Drayle was not having it! When visitor number two arrived Nate & May soon saw Fran change her spots. Do you think Drayle loves Lizzie or just the "togetherness" they share?

I think that Drayle feels something for Lizzie, I am just not sure what it is... The relationship is so conflicted. It seems weird in this day and age that someone could have their 'mistress' sleep right across the hall from their wife and then actually sleep in the other room - and stay married. Southern society was definitely 'something else'. Upon further thought - I think that Drayle liked the power he had over Lizzie. In his relationship with Fran, he just wasn't good enough because he was just a horse trainer and Fran should have married someone with better 'pedigree' (lol!).

Lisa, I think that Drayle loves Lizzie MORE than his actual wife just because Lizzie gave him children. He can only show his true love toward Lizzie during the trips, but still has to show who has the upper hand around the Southerners who frequented the Tawana Resort. I would have loved to have read more about Fran. I know she didn't like her husband being w/Lizzie (pinching Lizzie every chance she got, and then the children came). I wondered what she did the four weeks Drayle & Lizzie were gone. Fran was a trip! She went from hating Nate & May to LOVING them and back to HATE again. The poor kids were confused.

During Part II, it was good to see the character of Lizzie more developed, to learn of her history. Fran is about as sneaky and selfish as I would imagine her to be. In a way, she can't help it. How else can a woman be who must allow her husband and his mistress to be together in her/their home. Also, I didn't see authentic feeling from Fran toward those children. She may care, but her actions tell me something different. Fran treated those children like little pets or toys. Drayle doesn't seem to love anyone but himself. He never seemed to think what was best for Lizzie. (ie her health, preferences) Everything he did for her seemed to be about him manipulating her to do something he wanted. And I think he was right that his wife understood about his relationship with Lizzie. Obviously this (slave concubine and wife in same house) was not that rare in plantation life. Perhaps Fran saw this in her parents' home, she just seemed so unshocked by it all and willing to accept whatever Drayle told her. The character I really liked was Phillip. He seemed to be a strong brother with integrity. He wasn't into any game playing and left no room for 'misunderstanding'. Yet, he was not cruel and didn't let Lizzie get taken advantage of. Fran and Lizzie are both victims of their powerlessness. Fran from sexism and Lizzie from slavery and sexism. On to Part 3. I will be done soon. I can't seem to stop reading :)

If you liked part II you will LOVE part III- a lot going on. I don't like Drayle (since I read the entire book) he is all about Drayle. I don't think he even care's about his own children. I agree Fran & Lizzie are both victims in a very sad time in history.

I'm getting into Part 2 now... I got over the hump; the book is pretty good! I'm still having a hard time connecting with Lizzie...

Felicity wrote: "I'm getting into Part 2 now... I got over the hump; the book is pretty good! I'm still having a hard time connecting with Lizzie..."

Felicity, glad you're still reading! Lizzie, is somewhat strange and has a child-like manner.

I enjoyed part 1 and 2 but the rest was a little wack for me. Part 2 really does give you the seediness of slavery. I hated the beginning of part 2. Lizzie almost seemed to be described as being an animal as Drayle kept coming to see her. Disgusting. It helps to understand her character more but she is just naive and stupid.

I agree with Ang that the "affection" Drayle had for Lizzie was impacted by the children. In addition, she adored him. Her adoration makes sense when we think about the fact that he started having sex with her when she was 13! Then having is children at 15 or 16. It's hard to not feed off that type if adoration, especially when Fran doesn't strike me as a woman who was the adoring type.

Fran, adoring? I never felt that either.