2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Owen blames Mercy for Levi’s death, saying he needed someone who was still living to bear the responsibility. As Craig was his friend, was it more than that? Could he be transferring his own guilt?

I think Owen surely, if he had a conscience, should have felt deep guilt.

I agree with Charlene. Owen's self guilt was directed at Mercy instead of at Craig. His guilt that he didn't see Craig's true personality is hard to take. Mercy is an easy out, as she hasn't been in their life for so long.

I bet he feels he has his father's permission to blame her.

I think it was easy for Owen to make that guilt transfer to Mercy given his father’s animosity towards her and his desire to please him. It must have been crushing and he just couldn’t bear the weight. But he was downright mean and cruel. I’m having a tough time with him.

He should feel guilty about blaming his sister for the situation instead of the person who did the crime. At least he seems to be coming around. It should be interesting to see if his relationship with Mercy improves.

I think Owen felt the guilt & just couldn't bear it - couldn't process the fact that he was responsible for Levi's death. Of course it was wrong to lay it on Mercy, but their relationship was already strained & she was an easy target for him. His father's animosity toward her surely helped him "justify" what he did even though he had to know down deep that it was wrong. I'll be interested in where this character and their relationship goes in future books.

OMG... just a couple of words to describe Owen. Bigoted Creep. Can't stand him. If I was Mercy I wouldn't waste my breath!

I try to remember that Owen was raised by his father - leader of this particular group. While Mercy has been away from his influence for 15 years, Owen has grown up & matured into the man he is in the shadow of his father and the other men surrounding him. Their way of life and beliefs are drilled into him. I don't say that as an excuse for what he has become, but rather to say his views and mental psyche has been greatly influenced by his father and his desire to please him. Somewhere down deep is the little brother Mercy loved.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "I try to remember that Owen was raised by his father - leader of this particular group. While Mercy has been away from his influence for 15 years, Owen has grown up & matured into the man he is in ..."

I agree with you Sandra. Even though Owen is shown as a bad guy through most of the book, he is good to his family and Mercy loves him.

You ladies are a lot more forgiving than me. Granted I'm only half way through the book and my feelings are based on that one scene where Mercy and Owen first meet. I'll reserve judgement till I finish the book. At this stage I just can't see how Owen can be so blind (or brainwashed) to blame Mercy for what happened to Levi even considering the family background.

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "You ladies are a lot more forgiving than me. Granted I'm only half way through the book and my feelings are based on that one scene where Mercy and Owen first meet. I'll reserve judgement till I fi..."

Let us know if you feel the same once you've finished.

Well ladies, I've finished. And yes, Owen finally got over himself and his imagined grievances to stand up for his sister and what was right. But no he didn't redeem himself in my eyes. I have a real aversion to these type of men who have a chip on their shoulder over things that everyone in a society has to deal with. And yes background can excuse so much but once you're an adult it's up to you to form your own opinions. It's all about personal responsibility. Rant over.

Jonetta wrote: "Owen blames Mercy for Levi’s death, saying he needed someone who was still living to bear the responsibility. As Craig was his friend, was it more than that? Could he be transferring his own guilt?"

I don't have much more to add that you ladies haven't already said. I don't like Owen and agree he didn't really redeem himself in the end but it was a start.