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Too funny! Happy Easter Nancy.
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The Frozen River Book Club Friends Crossword Puzzle
Difficulty level: Easy Are you ready to test your skills?…
Quote:
“‘Should I carry him?’ asked Gamache, feeling badly because he hadn’t remembered that the biting snow could burn a dog’s paw. Now he remembered last winter struggling to carry old Sonny the 3 blocks home when his feet couldn’t take the cold any more. It had broken both their hearts. And he remembered hugging Sonny to him a few months later when the vet came to put him to sleep. And he remembered saying soothing things into the stinky old ears & looking into the weepy brown eyes as they closed, with one final thump of the ragged, beloved, tail. And as he felt the final beat of Sonny’s heart, Gamache had had the impression it wasn’t that his old heart had stopped but that Sonny had finally given it all away.”
Book Club Friends:
This quote from “A Fatal Grace” has long been one of our favourites from the series. You might know by now, dear friends, that we are all animal lovers here. This scene shows Gamache’s love and compassion for Sonny, and an understanding of the beautiful and loving wonders of animal companionship. It also shares the unavoidable heartbreak involved in loving animals.
The bond between a fur baby and their human is a special thing. A relationship that is sometimes stronger than human to human bonds. People often say that the love from an animal is pure and that all they have to give is their love and loyalty. Often that is contrasted by disappointments felt from relationships they have with friends, family and other people they’ve interacted with. We can completely understand this perspective. And so today, this is the type of relationship we’re thinking about at the moment, on the day our group discussion for The Grey Wolf is focussed on relationships in the book.
Which relationships have touched you the most in the series, and why?
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There are so many relationships in this series that are remarkable making it difficult to pick just one or two to write about. The relationship between Ruth and Rosa is such a striking one for me. Ruth comes off as a crusty, unfeeling, potty mouthed, drunk old lady who takes advantage of her neighbors. She gives them grief in return for their kindness towards her and their tolerance of her. Then one day Ruth finds a couple duck eggs and takes them home with her to incubate. She uses what meager items she has to fashion her oven into an incubator for them and after they hatch Ruth parades them everywhere with her. All the while making sure their natural needs are met. One little duckling whose name I cannot remember, does not survive. The poor little thing did not grow as she should have because Ruth helped her pip out of the egg instead of letting her do it for herself. What Ruth thought was a loving kindness ended up depriving the poor thing of a natural strengthening process causing her to eventually perish. Rosa, however, has grown strong and robust under the care of Ruth. Everywhere Ruth goes so goes Rosa. Rosa has even learned Ruth’s language … “fuck, fuck, fuck,” which she contributes to many conversations. Ruth releases Rosa in the fall so she can join her flock and migrate South for the winter. Then we witness Ruth’s vigil in the spring for the return of Rosa. No matter what the weather Ruth waited on the bench in the village green for Rosa to return. Finally, there is a dark silhouette on the horizon. Rosa has returned home to her beloved Ruth. Rosa has been and continues to be our telescope into Ruth’s heart and soul. Through their relationship we learn just who Ruth really is.
I agree with you, but would add when Ruth gives Rosa to Jean-Guy, telling him that he had to take Rosa and protect her. Ruth gives him the keys to what she says is her car (really Myrna’s) and tells him to leave Three Pines. Of course, she saves Jean-Guy’s life and he saves Armand’s.
I also love how Armand and Reine-Marie seem to collect dogs, first Henri and his funny ears and Gracie whom they are never sure if she is actually a dog. Right now, I cannot think of the name of the other one. And the scenes where Armand is playing with on the green.
Was there a Fred?
Yep!
On my first read, this question reminded me of those where one is asked to choose one’s favorite book in the series. It helps to read others’ comments. I definitely agree that Ruth and Rosa’s relationship and her gift of Rosa to Jean-Guy when it is clear he sees no path forward for himself is among the most moving in the entire series. Ruth gives Jean-Guy what she cherishes most and Rosa seems somehow to understand. My other favorite relationship also involves Rosa, Rosa and Honore. It is as humorous, earthy and human as Ruth and Rosa’s relationship with Jean-Guy was sensitive and deeply caring. I don’t remember all of the scenes but I’ll never forget the one where Honore speaks his first word! I don’t think I need to put it in print here!
I agree Jane, it does help to read the comments and then enjoy those scenes and moments again, like fond memories with old friends. I have a smile on my face from reading your comment and I have to agree with everyone here about the special relationships. Interesting that animals are involved in all.