Eternal on the Water, Chapters 11 - 16: Wolves

[AnnJE]

I thought I had missed all the discussion (circumstances intervened!) but I see that we aren't finished.  I have seen ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS and will watch it again.  I vividly remember the scene with Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman in front of that window.  I can't wait to watch it again.

[AnnJE]

How do Cobb's and Mary's families and friends take part in these chapters...?

They come together to celebrate with Cobb and Mary.  I loved their interaction with each other and Cobb and Mary.    They show that they will be there to support Cobb when the inevitable happens.

[Megtall]

In these final chapters, we were able to see more of the daily lives of Codd and Mary. 

I was prepared for the symptoms pretty much from the outset of the book.  I mostly knew what to expect when it did occur as we had spent the whole book building up to it.  But, I did still have some trouble reading it.  I don't typically read highly-emotional books and wanted to try this one out and see if it changed me preferences.  It didn't, but I do truly appreciate the opportnity to try it out.  I'll pass this book on to my friend who is quite the avid reader of emotional novels.  Thank you again!

[Vermontcozy]

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Megtall wrote:

In these final chapters, we were able to see more of the daily lives of Codd and Mary. 

I was prepared for the symptoms pretty much from the outset of the book.  I mostly knew what to expect when it did occur as we had spent the whole book building up to it.  But, I did still have some trouble reading it.  I don't typically read highly-emotional books and wanted to try this one out and see if it changed me preferences.  It didn't, but I do truly appreciate the opportnity to try it out.  I'll pass this book on to my friend who is quite the avid reader of emotional novels.  Thank you again!                                                                                                                                                                      

Vt Cozy Wrote,,,,,.Always thinking,all will be ok at the end of the novel..It was difficult to read,although beautifully written..I am too emotionally driven to accept that all be not be ok....Finishing EOTW..left me with wanting another book..just to follow the story one more time  through Cobb....and others...Best..Susan Vtc

[pen21]

I usually don't read emotional books either. But like Megtall I am glad I read it and I also will be passing it on to someone who likes the emotional books.

I agree with Vermontcozy, it would be nice to hear about Cobb and others lives after the ending in the book. It would help cement that their lives went on, like Mary would have wanted.

pen21

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Vermontcozy wrote:

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Megtall wrote:

In these final chapters, we were able to see more of the daily lives of Codd and Mary. 

I was prepared for the symptoms pretty much from the outset of the book.  I mostly knew what to expect when it did occur as we had spent the whole book building up to it.  But, I did still have some trouble reading it.  I don't typically read highly-emotional books and wanted to try this one out and see if it changed me preferences.  It didn't, but I do truly appreciate the opportnity to try it out.  I'll pass this book on to my friend who is quite the avid reader of emotional novels.  Thank you again!                                                                                                                                                                      

Vt Cozy Wrote,,,,,.Always thinking,all will be ok at the end of the novel..It was difficult to read,although beautifully written..I am too emotionally driven to accept that all be not be ok....Finishing EOTW..left me with wanting another book..just to follow the story one more time  through Cobb....and others...Best..Susan Vtc

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[lovetoreadLW]

What does the home that Cobb and Mary find say about them?

The home they chose is in the middle of nature. They truly embrace the outdoors, especially by building the outdoor sleeping platform. I have read two books recently that have made me want to include a sleeping porch in my dream home (The other one is 'These Is My Words' by Nancy Turner).

Have you seen All That Heaven Allows? What is it about the film that appeals so strongly to Mary? What is it about the window that the couple share their first kiss in front of? What does the new window do for their home? 

I have not seen this movie, but I will add it to my list. I'm very curious to see this window. Maybe something else to add to my dream home!

Did you feel prepared to begin seeing Mary's symptoms in these chapters? Are Cobb and Mary prepared?

I felt prepared for Mary's symptoms because of the way the novel began. Not only were they prepared, but their entire family network was prepared. The outpouring of support was amazing.

[Sheltiemama]

It's nice to see everyday life doesn't grind them down. They seem to understand that they have to enjoy their married life while they can and they enjoy the day to day.

Cobb and Mary like old things. It makes sense that they would buy this house instead of building a McMansion.

I love how Wally and Mary repeated the poem the Chungamunga Girls recited at the first wedding. That tree is almost an eternal thing, too. It was there before they married, and it'll likely be there after they're gone.

I think I'll have to see "All That Heaven Allows" just to get an idea of what that window looked like!

I don't think anyone could really be prepared for such symptoms to start showing, but they handle it in their own way and don't let them interfere any more than they absolutely have to. It's heartbreaking to think of Mary sick.

[StewiesMom]

What does the gum tree represent for Mary?

The gum tree signifies permanence to Mary.  The fact that this tree has been there for hundreds of years, versus the accepted fact that Mary will not is very important to her.  By getting married before it, in fact, while touching it, is symbolic to Mary as the permanence in her relationship with Jonathan.

[Frostbacksgirl]

In these chapters, we come to see Mary and Cobb create an ordinary life for themselves. Up to this point, we have known them only outside the context of "ordinary" life. Is this life any more "normal" than life on the Allagash or in Indonesia? Do these chapters change the feeling of Cobb and Mary's love being set outside of everyday life?

I enjoyed seeing them in a normal setting but they've managed to to make it special in their own way.

What does the home that Cobb and Mary find say about them?

Very cozy with their own special touch.

How is their wedding day different and similar to the mock wedding the Chungamunga girls created for them?

It's the same except now they have friends and family present.

How do Cobb's and Mary's families and friends take part in these chapters that they haven't before?

They show how much they love them, and how they want to make Mary's time here as special as possible.

Did you feel prepared to begin seeing Mary's symptoms in these chapters?

I wasn't prepared. I knew it was coming but just didn't prepare myself very well for it.

[Vermontcozy]

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pen21 wrote:

I usually don't read emotional books either. But like Megtall I am glad I read it and I also will be passing it on to someone who likes the emotional books.

I agree with Vermontcozy, it would be nice to hear about Cobb and others lives after the ending in the book. It would help cement that their lives went on, like Mary would have wanted.

pen21

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Vermontcozy wrote:

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Megtall wrote:

In these final chapters, we were able to see more of the daily lives of Codd and Mary. 

I was prepared for the symptoms pretty much from the outset of the book.  I mostly knew what to expect when it did occur as we had spent the whole book building up to it.  But, I did still have some trouble reading it.  I don't typically read highly-emotional books and wanted to try this one out and see if it changed me preferences.  It didn't, but I do truly appreciate the opportnity to try it out.  I'll pass this book on to my friend who is quite the avid reader of emotional novels.  Thank you again!                                                                                                                                                                      

Vt Cozy Wrote,,,,,.Always thinking,all will be ok at the end of the novel..It was difficult to read,although beautifully written..I am too emotionally driven to accept that all be not be ok....Finishing EOTW..left me with wanting another book..just to follow the story one more time  through Cobb....and others...Best..Susan Vtc

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 VtCozy wrote..Emotional driven novels such as EOTW,which for me was beautifully wrtten,will be the last one for me for a long time,unless Joseph writes a follow up down the road.As pen21 and Megtall stated..I am lending my copy to a friend this week..Did not say much,but she has a higher capacity for those kinds of books.Moving on to "Before I Fall"...What are both of you reading now?  Susan Vtc, I did ,finally review EOTW..took me a while,didn't want to give too much away.

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[pen21]

I just finished Bury Me Deeply by Megan Abbott, an Edgar nominee. Very good book.

Today plan on finishing Poltergeist by Kat Richardson. Very good paranormal series.

I will continue reading Diana Gabaldon book The Echo in the Bone. I really like the Outlander Series.

Megtall, what did you pick next?

pen21

Bury Me Deep  

Poltergeist (Greywalker Series #2)

  

An Echo in the Bone (Outlander Series #7)  

Vermontcozy wrote:

Moving on to "Before I Fall"...What are both of you reading now?

[krb2g]

I was a little thrown by the timing in these chapters. From the Indonesia section, where Joan said Mary had probably 5 years, I wasn't expecting symptoms to set in so soon--or maybe I was expecting the disease to progress more quickly (I have no personal experience with Huntington's Disease). I did like the chapter that showed time passing.

[gmfuhlman]

I so agree with your feeling with these last chapter. I would hope that Cobb and the other lives did go on because that would be what Mary would have wanted them them to. Like someone said earlier it not a book I would have read because it started out sad and ended sad. But one thing that I have to say is it makes you think about how short life is and that we should enjoyed every day that we have.

[girlie0620]

I think the life they built for themselves was unique to them- they made sure they had everything possible that would provide comfort...things they enjoyed....love. The house was an extension of their dream- the way they met and fell "together". Their family consisted of those around them that made an impact in the beginning of the relationship. They all seemed top follow the journey together but separately. Does that make sense?

I think even though we know what was coming for Mary the progression was shocking as it is in real life. Experiencing it is much more powerful that accepting and knowing it is going to happen.
The reciting of the poem at the tree, for me, was to show how they had built the foundation at the first "wedding" with the girls and what a big part of the relationship they had become. It was a icicle- back to the beginning- standing the test of time.....

M 

[rosia408]

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Rachel-K wrote:

Hi all,

Please use any of the following questions to start discussions for chapters 11 - 16, or feel free to post your own throughts and questions for the group!

In these chapters, we come to see Mary and Cobb create an ordinary life for themselves. Up to this point, we have known them only outside the context of "ordinary" life. Is this life any more "normal" than life on the Allagash or in Indonesia? Do these chapters change the feeling of Cobb and Mary's love being set outside of everyday life? We see them settle down into the ordinariness of everyday life, yet they both know their lives are not ordinary because they know Mary isn't going to be there forever. What struck me was how as people, we tend to be too mired down in taking our lives for granted, and forget that we need to live our days as though our last could be right here. I was thinking as I was reading about countless hours I have frittered away that I will never have again. No matter where Mary and Cobb were, I never got the feeling that they were frittering their time away, even though the setting was more mundane.

What does the home that Cobb and Mary find say about them? I felt that the home reflected their love of nature.

How is their wedding day different and similar to the mock wedding the Chungamunga girls created for them? What does the gum tree represent for Mary? The ritual seemed very similar to the ritual of the Chungamunga girls. No traditional wedding ceremony for them! For me the gum tree represented permanence.

Have you seen All That Heaven Allows? What is it about the film that appeals so strongly to Mary? What is it about the window that the couple share their first kiss in front of? What does the new window do for their home? No I haven't seen the movie, but would like to see it. I think what appeals to Mary is bringing nature that she loves right into her home.

How do Cobb's and Mary's families and friends take part in these chapters that they haven't before? It seems that they are there to support Mary and Cobb in any way they are needed without being intrusive. It served to make life appear "normal".

Did you feel prepared to begin seeing Mary's symptoms in these chapters? Are Cobb and Mary prepared? Ugh even though I knew that Mary was going to begin to show symptoms, it was like a punch to the gut when she began to show them. I didn't want it to happen. I knew it was inevitable, and yet I was hoping that by some miracle it wouldn't happen! I don't think either of them are really prepared when it does happen. They know in their heads it will happen, but the reality of it still strikes them hard.

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[Sherry_Young]

I found it interesting that, while we were reading/discussing this book, that an elm tree that was over 200 years old had to be cut down in Maine.

http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/135095.html

After hearing this story on the news, I immediately thought of the gum tree which Mary chose as the setting for their legal wedding. She talked about how the tree had lived through times of historical significance in a similar fashion to the article above mentioning it had sprouted during Colonial days. It would have seen this country from her birth through the present.

I believe that Mary chose such a tree for the spot for their wedding because it had a long and full life seemingly eternal to her. Since hers would not be long for the world, it was the perfect place and a symbolic way to unite them in love that would be eternal.

[Sherry_Young]

Was this the scene?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBH97bWmAfM&feature=related

[Sherry_Young]

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AnnJE wrote:

I thought I had missed all the discussion (circumstances intervened!) but I see that we aren't finished.  I have seen ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS and will watch it again.  I vividly remember the scene with Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman in front of that window.  I can't wait to watch it again.

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Was this the scene?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBH97bWmAfM&feature=related

[Jeanne-ND91]

In these chapters, we come to see Mary and Cobb create an ordinary life for themselves. Up to this point, we have known them only outside the context of "ordinary" life. Is this life any more "normal" than life on the Allagash or in Indonesia? Do these chapters change the feeling of Cobb and Mary's love being set outside of everyday life? I think for them it is a "normal" life. They are very outdoorsy, not very materialistic people. So they find their house and make it their own and live the way they want to.

What does the home that Cobb and Mary find say about them? It is the house for them, just as everyone hopes to find their "perfect" home. When you walk in the door your house speaks to you. This was theirs, meant to be. It was where they would be spending their last time together. They made changes to it to make it perfect for them.

How is their wedding day different and similar to the mock wedding the Chungamunga girls created for them? What does the gum tree represent for Mary? It makes their union legal but I think their Chungamunga wedding was the real one to them. The gum tree represents lasting to Mary, that something can go on like her relationship with Cobb.

Have you seen All That Heaven Allows? What is it about the film that appeals so strongly to Mary? What is it about the window that the couple share their first kiss in front of? What does the new window do for their home? I have not seen the movie.

How do Cobb's and Mary's families and friends take part in these chapters that they haven't before? They are part of their everyday lives, which is nice to see. I loved Cobb's dad, and how much he was willing to help them.

Did you feel prepared to begin seeing Mary's symptoms in these chapters? Are Cobb and Mary prepared? I wasn't prepared even though I knew it was coming and I don't think Mary and Cobb were either. I didn't know if they would come on strong all at once, or subtly a little at a time. That must be so hard to watch someone you love begin the onset of a horrible disease that you know will kill them.

[EiLvReedn]

The home that Mary & Cobb find is very fitting as they #1 love the outdoors and history. A new modern place in the city just wouldn't work and the fact that it is just like the Movie Mary loves makes it even better.

It seems that the life Mary & Cobb are living in their new home is their normal. Mary & he are carrying on their every day lives, still teaching, etc. yet at the same time could probably be described as idylic as they sleep outside on a platform when they can. Mary still goes out in the woods to explore, etc. They are living out their 'dream' yet on borrowed time.

The wedding is similar to the Chungamunga girls in that they have it outdoors in a special spot and the ceremony has the same poem said. It was just simple and yet very special as they are also surrounded by those they love. For most people it wouldn't necessarily be a wedding or perhaps it could be called a "hippie" type wedding but for Cobb and Mary it was just right.

In these chapters we see Cobb and Mary allowing their parents and family into to their lives. Since Mary's illness is starting to show, I think they realize they have to spend time with the other people in their lives while there is still time.

I was really sad to see that Mary's symptoms showed so soon after they had settle into their dream home. I was hoping they had more time, but from the beginning knew they didn't and that Mary would die in the end anyway.  Still such a good story!