This story takes place in Oklahoma around the late 90’s, early 2000’s. It doesn’t seemed very old Fashioned nor does it seem extremely advanced either. In the first few chapters the atmosphere seems very tense. Mostly because of the relationship between Novalee and Willy Jack. Willy Jack makes it extremely clear that he does not want anything to do with Novalee or their child. Every time Novalee would bring up the child’s name, where they would live as a family, what they would do as a family, Willy Jack would either respond negatively or not respond at all. While they are on the road Novalee needs to make a pit stop therefore they stop at a Wal-Mart. Before Novalee could even look twice Willy Jack had taken off without her. Left her stranded. Judging by his attitude, it did not surprise Novalee nor did it surprise the readers at all.
So what does a homeless, pregnant, jobless, poor girl do in a situation like this? Throughout these chapters some new, exciting characters are introduced. Helping her on her journey. We come in contact with Sister Husband, Benny Goodluck, Moses Whitecotton and who seems to be the most important, Forney Hull. Being a blessing in disguise. While Willy Jack, continuing his road trip alone, meets a new girl that goes by the name of Jolene. Jolene’s a very tough character, rough around the edges. Could be a blessing or a lesson for Willy Jack. Maybe just what he needs for him to be put in his place.
This book so far makes me excited and intrigued. Always wanting to know what’s going to happen next on Novalee’s journey and Willy Jack’s. To me, this book is a representation of real life situations and how you can feel like nothing’s going right in life at times. Looking at Novalee situation at first it seems like nothing’s ever going to get better for her. I can look back on certain occasion’s where I’ve felt like that. Where you feel like you have no one and nothing. Like your stuck and don’t know where to go next. Novalee does everything she can for things to get better along with the help of other’s to aid her. From the reading I’ve done so far, things only seem like they keep on getting better for Novalee.
I love the way you interpret the connections between everyday real life situations to this novel and the struggles in Novalee's life. By the sounds of it you have a mature grasp on life and it also looks as if you have a good grasp on Forney by mentioning the fact that he is a blessing in disguise. I think you are right for saying that in many ways. I think Forney is going to do wonders to Novalee's life.
ReplyDelete-ClubBaldo
I very much agree with you when you said that the atmosphere at the beginning of the novel was tense, and I too was not surprised when Willy Jack left Novalee. I also enjoyed the connections you made between some of Novalee's situations and feelings. They were very relatable. I hope things keep getting better for Novalee, like you mentioned. I think she deserves it.
ReplyDelete-ClubTucker