Even though this book is one of the most complex and at times frustrating book I have ever read, I have to admit I love it. I think that the author just did an amazing job putting together this complex novel and I cannot wait to see how it ends.
I like Kellie, also researched the Dora story and I was shocked at how similar it sounded to Mary’s story about Kurt. It was almost a direct connection to Mary’s life and what Mary was going through. I think that the author is definitely trying to say something about Freud and this study by including it within this book. It seems like way to much of a parallel to just have it coinsidently correspond with Mary’s life. The author must have a reason why she found this necessary to include. I also think it is important to note that by including this story and having Mary reference it within the book I feel at this time as if Mary did indeed fake her own disapearance. I do not necessarily know why or what is reality and what is fiction. However, I have decided one thing, that Mary was not abducted and help against her will. If anything I believe she really enjoys being with this man. Even though I have decided that Mary faked her own kidnapping I do not know what events really happened to her, and what events she is just making up.
Another thing that I find interesting is the interaction between the man and this girl. I believe that Mary, if that if who the girl is in the “What Could’ve Happened” chapters I feel as if the man could indeed be Kurt. I feel as if he is not just place into the novel for no reason. I feel as if the characteristics of this man could indeed fit those of Kurt. I think that it could be a good guess based on the information and the fact that it would make sense, because Mary seems to be enjoying herself with this man. They also seem, in my opinion, to have a relationship from their past. I just have this gut feeling that they know each other in some way, shape, or form.
I feel like Bettina is also another crucial character that has just been introduced to us. I think that Mary and Bettina share a very deep connection and are very similar to each other. I think that because this abduction situation happened at Semmering before to Bettina, that there would be a much bigger question in people’s minds as to whether or not Mary Veal was truly kidnapped, or if she was just another Bettina. I think that there is still much more to learn about Bettina and her relationship and similarities to Mary.
With only 175 pages left in this book I still have a great deal of questions. I hope that Heidi Julavits wraps up Mary’s story and hopefully answers all the questions I still have.
October 2, 2008 at 10:54 pm
I also find the interaction between the Man and the Girl interesting. It is as if they know each other, so i think it may be a possibility that it is Kurt. I am not 100% stuck on that yet, but i definitely think it may be him. The reasons why i am not quite sure that it is him, is because he has to look inside her winter jacket at the rest stop to find a phone number for her, and her name. If it was Kurt, he should automatically know who it is, and her parent’s number. I feel there is not enough information to stick Kurt with the title of the “Man”, but hopefully we will find out soon. I also think that thier relationship is interesting in the fact that she is in total control. At one point he even wants to call her parents, and say to help him as if he is the one kidnapped!!! i guess more will tell in chapters to come.
October 3, 2008 at 12:01 pm
The author seems to really want to show Freud’s theory as Dora is an example of real women today faking their abductions to get people to believe them about real abuses in their lives.
Also that is interesting thought that the man is Kurt. But why would she like him if she feels wronged by what he did? It doesn’t make sense. Because she does classify herself as a wronged woman like Dora and Bettina.
October 5, 2008 at 5:06 pm
I’m just as confused as you are with the whole Bettina and Mary thing. They seem too similar to have different stories. Is Mary a copy cat of Bettina because she has no imagination of her own, just that of what she reads in novels? Also this whole thing with Kurt>>>WHO IS HE? creeper i’m guessing
October 6, 2008 at 7:46 pm
I agree with your suspicion that the man Mary had “abduct” her might be Kurt. It does seem like they have some report with each other. I also agree with you that Mary and Bettina seem similar–but they are different too. I think Mary is a little more psychologically complex and calculated in the way she works with Dr.Hammer. I think she idolizes Bettina until she sees years later in the store that she’s just a common shoplifter.