Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage - Family Furnishings

How do you like this story? What about the relationships in it? Alfrida and the father? Alfrida and the main character (I can't think of her name now!)? Conservative versus modern, more open? Have you had any situation that makes you think of this a familiar story? Some person that you knew and admired at a time and that then, you grew to dislike...

Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage - Floating Bridge

This story if build up by very different characters with very different feelings, with Jinny and her condition as the thread that guides all those feelings.

What do you think of the different characters? What do you think is the point of the story? Why do you think the story starts with Jinny's brief escape and ends up with her being driven home by a young stranger?

If you had to choose one word from the title of the book, which one would it be? Hateship? Friendship? Courtship? Loveship? Marriage?

Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage - First story

How did you like the first story of the book?

How did you feel about the different characters?  It is interesting how the point of view in the narrative smoothly changes from one character to the other, allowing us to see how they feel, and making it easier to empathize with them. Were you actually able to feel empathy for the girls? for Mr. McCauley? What about Ken and Johanna? 

Did you see the end coming?

Some critics suggest that the message Munro's work conveys is that the greatest purpose marriage has in a woman's life is to limit it. Do you see that in this story?

As always, looking forward to reading your thoughts on the author, the book, and on such interesting matters as hateship, friendship, courtship, loveship, and marriage.