Week 5, May 27-June 1, Chapter 50-61

[Francesca]

We'll take at least a week off and return to read Ishmael

[DiggerAdelgren]

I know it's only the middle of the week, yet if I don't post now, I don't know when I will get to.

What a big bunch of coincidences!! (though well written story) It's neat how the author brings so many people together for one big happy ending, but the coincidences are so unreal. Herbert especially is always in the right place at the right time.(Oh, Herbie, my hero!! My Prince!! My knight in shining armor!! --Oh sorry, thought I was Cap there for a second) Though he is the only one that his faith in God is not really made known, he is used often.

The author does such a good job of showing us different characters and their temperaments and how they live out their faith in different ways--from the devout, to the carnal, to the ones just making an outward appearance and the non Christian.

I thought it interesting how Cap could not let Black Donald be hanged on her wedding day-her conscience bugging her for possibly bing responsible for sending him to die without being ready to meet his maker. Though I don't think I would want anyone to be hung on such a special day either, I don't think I would have had such mercy. ( Guess the pack of tools were a foreshadowing.) Though I couldn't picture him riding side saddle on Capitola's horse. I could see him coming back for a saddle, but to take O.H.'s horse! How funny! And was this gold from what Cap gave him? If so, it was O.H.'s money that he gave for a reward for Black D's capture. So, he really came out behind.

Though Cap's mother, Capitola, went through 20 yrs of heartache, I'm so glad it all turned out well for her and her daughter was spared--though they missed out on so many precious years together. That goes the same for O.H. and Marah. Oh, how one person with evil intentions can spoil so many others happiness. Col. LeNoir did a good job of that in all their lives in one way or another. Shows how God is ultimately in control.

[Kellieara]

I think I read these last chapters in near to one sitting, breathless and clutching my coffee cup!

I think I knew in my heart of hearts that Black Donald could not be dead. Southworth is obviously not foolish, and I think killing Black Donald would have ticked off a large percentage of her readership (me for one!). Now Col. Le Noir is another matter all together. I was almost mad that she gave him the chance to repent before he perished. He was a bad, bad man!

Speaking of Le Noir, I could not fathom the cruelty he and his officer practised on Traverse! However, was anyone else a little annoyed with Traverse? I realize that Le Noir basically was snowballing him, but I found myself wanting him to fight back somehow. He needed a firm dose of Capitola!

So glad that everything worked out happily-ever-after for our heroine. I was still a little perplexed that Herbert never really openly wooed her. And I was also a little vexed that they had a double wedding. I think every girl should have her own day, but besides those minor details, this was one satisfying read! I can't wait to get my hands on some more Southworth!

[Francesca]

AAHHH!!! I just went to read the posts for this week and realized, since I've yet to finish the book, that if I read your comments it will be like reading ahead. I just wanted to write that though the temptation is there, I'll wait to read posts until tomorrow (I'm planning to finish tonight!).

Also, I should have the ch. separations for Ishmael done hopefully tomorrow.

Happy Reading to all!!

[DiggerAdelgren]

I was just thinking when reading Kellie's comments about Black Donald and was remembering how they retrieved him from the cellar. I couldn't picture 4 men hauling a 6' 8" man up a ladder esp one that reached clear down in that deep, dark abyss. I'm sure he had gained some weight back by this time and was dead weight. Now, I could have pictured them tying a rope around him and hauling him up, but not just carrying him.


I thought it interesting about Col. LeNoir after he wrote out his confession, he lingered on and so the author made the inference that he was upset at himself for doing so. I think he realized the reprocussions he sent down on his son. Is this why his son disappears to California?

I thought it interesting how many men were captivated by the young Capitola. And I agree with Kellie-Herbert had a lame way of proposing to Cap. It was an interesting wedding of cousins marrying cousins.

And why didn't Col. LeNoir pick on Herbert? He had just as much influence in bringing him down as Traverse did. Did Herbert have more of a backbone and stick up for himself and Traverse just submit to every form of treatment?

[Kellieara]

Digger, I thought I'd give you my opinion on your LeNoir/Herbert/Traverse question. I think it simply has something to do with rank. Traverse was a new recruit and right under Le Noir's chain of command. Herbert has been in the military for a few years now, I think. It wasn't entirely clear to me how the troops were divided up, but Herbert was obviously somewhere else most of the time, as he had to go out of his way to see Traverse after he discovered he was there. So I think Herbert may have been harder for Le Noir to mess with, so to speak and Traverse the easier target. And now I'm just hoping that none of our veterans (Dad and Damon) read this lame post of my vague explanation of military politics!

[Francesca]

Traverse was a humble man... but somewhere in all his humility he lost strength and manliness. He was probably my least favorite character... it was hard to compare him with his glorious father!! Though I do find it interesting that he married someone who is as gentle a bird as he is -- I guess they need each other lest a stronger personality just roll them over.

David once said that he knew an important strategy with me was to let me think I am in charge and only put his foot down when necessary. I think this approach is how Herbert is going to reign in our dear Cap.

To the very last I loved Capitola. She is as great a heroine as can be had. I, too, was anxious to get back to her... I'd had about as much of Traverse as a person can stand!!

How about the reference from the elder Capitola that she suffered from the little bit of craziness that most women endure... are we talking pms?? I got a good chuckle out of that conversation.

Thank goodness for the reformation of Black Donald. It, too, reminds me of Phantom in that the couple that should get together do, but the "villain" still comes out pretty good. (Nice since you were secretly cheering for him!!)

Well, Kelliara, this is right up there with the best read of all time... well done!!

[Kellieara]

I wanted you all to see what a dedicated book clubee I am. Here's a recent blog entry of mine:

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/kellieann/338399/

You will need to scroll down to the last photo to see how this applies to our book club.