2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

Mr. Alberton will never stand trial for the murder of Tom Brandt because he’s contracted pneumonia and will probably die from it. Did Tom get justice?

Well, in my mind, Kerry caused the whole thing by lying about Tom Brandt and convincing Christina that the stable boys were doctors. This set off Mr. Alberton to the point where he took things into his own hands. Definitely not the thing he should have done, but I agreed with Sarah when she said something about blaming Kerry more than Mr. Alberton.

Also, Kerry is being sent to the lunatic asylum on Blackwell's (Roosevelt) Island. I'm guessing that would make the toombs look inviting.

Kerry is the real villain in this story. Her injury and future on Blackwell's Island is a very fitting punishment. So in this case justice is served.

The knowledge that he killed an innocent man seems to have resulted in his giving up on life. He is punishing himself, so again justice is done.

While I cannot condone Alberton's actions, they are understandable. He believed he was killing the man who violated his daughter. I'm not sure whether he actually intended to kill Tom or whether it was in the heat of the moment during their confrontation.

I agree that Kerry set all this in motion and is the true villain here. As she’s not only lost her liberty but her motor functions, I’d say justice was rather poetic, especially combined with Alberton’s fate. Given the era and the circumstances under which he assaulted Tom, Alberton could have been found not guilty.

Jonetta wrote: "Given the era and the circumstances under which he assaulted Tom, Alberton could have been found not guilty."

It is quite possible that given the extenuating circumstances, a jury today might acquit him as well.

I suppose those awful boys who repeatedly raped poor Christina didn't get any punishment so justice is far from done, but I agree that it could've been worse. I hope Kerry lives a long life to regret her actions.

That’s a great point, Giulia!

~ Giulia ~ wrote: "I suppose those awful boys who repeatedly raped poor Christina didn't get any punishment so justice is far from done, but I agree that it could've been worse. I hope Kerry lives a long life to regr..."

I didn't even think about those boys, Giulia. You're right, there will probably be no punishment for them.