This scene, which begins on p. 67, and is interspersed with words from the sermon, is particularly powerful. The three main people in the story, David, Norah, and Caroline, are all present, and at any moment, their whole lives could be changed by the truth.

What are people thinking about this moment, and how each of the characters handle it?

(And thanks to Stephanie, who pointed out this great scene!)

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Jennifer Graf Groneberg

It was actually that type of scene that made me think this novel could easily be transformed into a film script.

It was a very vivid scene, so I think I could actually see it on film in my head.

I knew that David's 'cover' wouldn't be blown at the funeral - the scene was too early in the book - so you knew Caroline was going to slip away unnoticed (and that's quite a feat in a small town, I would think).

Oh yes, it's very visual. I hadn't thought of that, good point. What struck me was the words, in italics, from the sermon, which felt to me like a giant PUSH for all the characters to DO THE RIGHT THING, which of course, they ignore. I can't think of a better way to amplify the tension. It was fantastic.

As an aside, I wonder if there are moments in my own life when the answers I need are right in front of me, and I am continually walking right past them, unaware. I bet there are.

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Jennifer Graf Groneberg

I didn't realize until the end of the book, when Caroline came forward - that SHE had a responsibility to tell the truth, too.

She was so in awe of Dr. Henry and worried about the consequences of her actions, too that she kept silent. Plus, she soon fell in love with Phoebe and was terrified of having to give her 'back'.

But in those early days...do you think Caroline had a moral obligation to come forward with Phoebe? It wasn't just David Henry that held that secret.

Yes, you know, I wonder about that, too. I think I am very soft on Caroline, because I identify with her mother-love and feel it so strongly. And because I feel like I love Phoebe, so I want what's best for her, and I think it's Caroline.

But I can't really know any of that. Norah might have been a wonderful mother to Phoebe; we will never know one way or another. Certainly, her grief indicates her great capacity to love. And it's Norah who might have been the bridge for their family; her love for Phoebe could have shown David how to love, also.

Caroline is complicit, isn't she? Her jealously of Norah, though subtle, and her secret connection to David, one that she protected and hid, are not so exemplary...

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Jennifer Graf Groneberg