I have mixed feelings. I find it hard to believe that Nessie is really a real "monster", but it also doesn't seem right that there would be so many citings of the Loch Ness monster if it wasn't real. Now, knowing that my wife and daughter Vanessa are so interested and intreged with Nessie and have researched so much about the Loch Ness, I think it's more real than not.
I cannot decide how I feel about Nessie. I was so concerned about Vanessa when her mother died. They have the same creative and imaginative personality. I knew that Vanessa would be just as curious when we went on our vacation. Based on all the research that my wife did, and the situations that Lee and Vanessa have been through, I am pulled in the direction to believe in Nessie. But I am also realistic, how is it possible that there could be a sea monster? I don't want to say that I don't believe in Nessie, because then I might as well say that I don't believe in my daughter, and that is not something I am willing to do.
It is hard to say whether or not I believe in Nessie. Before I met my wife, who is now deceased, my background knowledge on the topic was minimal. Much of my wife’s research was based upon individual’s first-hand accounts of Nessie. Their eye-witness accounts fascinated me, but I was always more practical-minded than my wife. However her research did open my eyes to the interesting world of cryptids. When she died, I felt it was best to box up her research so I would not have to revisit the pain of her death. Naturally, I knew my daughter had inherited her mother's curious and adventurous tendencies. I would be able to make a more informed decision on Nessie’s realism if I saw the creature myself. I am not discounted Nessie's existence, but feel strongly that "seeing is believing". To me, the question of the Loch Ness Monster’s existence is irrelevant. What matters is that the mystery surrounding Nessie was important to my wife and now holds a significant place in my daughter’s heart.
I consider myself to be the voice of reason in my daughter's imaginative world. I do not believe in Nessie' however I have notieced that I am attracted to women who have a desire to locate Nessie and also believe in her existence. The reality of whether or not Nessie does exist is not important to me, as I feel that life will continue whether or not she is real or fictional. I did feel sorry for Vanessa when my wife died because my wife was an outlet for Vanessa to go to whens he had questions about her Nessie curiosity. Vanessa and her mother spent a lot of time together, and I feel as though my lack of interest or belief in Nessie has caused the relationship I have with my daughter now.
2. How did you feel about Vanessa's mother's involvement with the Cryptid Files?
To be honest with you, I felt her interest and curiosity were beneficial aspects to our marriage. I travel a lot for my occupation, which left Vanessa's mother home often. The Cryptid Files allowed her to occupy her time while I was away. I did not involve myself in too much of what she did, but I would listen to her and always provide skeptical input about the existence of the Loch Ness Monster. Vanessa's mother was very involved in her research that she always had a rebuttal to what I would argue against as to the existence of Nessie.
2) How did you feel about Vanessa's mother's involvement with the Cryptid Files?
When Vanessa's mother was alive, I felt that her research in the Cryptid Files was a good hobby. I did not involve myself with the research, but listened whenever she wanted to share. Now that she has passed and I have seen how much Vanessa is like her, I wish that maybe we were more open about her research. Maybe this would have been more helpful for Vanessa, and she would have felt an even deeper connection to her mother now that she knows more about Nessie herself. It also might have helped Vanessa become a better researcher if her mother could have shared her files. But, hindsight is always 20/20 right?
#1. Do you think Nessy is real? When I first started reading this book, I will have to admit, I didn't think Nessy was real at all. However, as I kept reading and got more into the book.... my feelings started to change. The more article clippings I kept reading, and the more interested Vanessa was in doing her research and looking through her mom's research, I did start to change. During the story, I feel like at times, I thought Nessy was real. The way she was described and the way she was "known" and talked about among others, made me believe. However, thinking back at the story as a whole, I still have a feeling that even though it was so well written and "believable" to a point, Nessy is not real.
#1 I agree with Jackie, when I first started reading this book, i definitely had my doubts about whether or not Nessie was real. Through the dialogue between characters, specific sightings listed at the beginning of each chapter, as well as research done for various portions of this assignment, I had changed my mind. The elaborate way in which the author described Nessie, I was able to imagine her as a real character, therefore believing in her existence. When the author introduced Nessie beging involved through the superficial world underwater, it made it seem too unbelieveable for me to continue to believe this. Obviously, understanding that this story is a science fiction novel, the author needed to use her imagination regarding the development of the incorporation of Nessie in the story. Now, I do not feel that Nessie is real; however, the real-life facts are interesting and engaging, especially for students who do believe in Nessie's existence. This can be used as a motivator for them.
2. How did you feel about Vanessa’s mother’s involvement with the Cryptid Files?
To be honest with you, I would like to have learned more about the wife's involvement. The author eluded to Vanessa's mother's involvement in the story; however the book left me wondering as to whether or not hte mother might have experienced something similar to that of Vanessa. Most likely she didn't since she was still searching for answers as to whether or not Nessie was real; however I wish there was a tie-up with her involvement. Also, when the author made such a descriptive and engaging discovery of hte crytpid files in the attic, it almost appeared as though there would be more of a development of this portion of the story. This was deceiving, but obviously author's choice! :)
#1 I also did not believe in the Loch Ness monster when I first started reading this book. Actually, I didn’t even think I was going to like this book because I am not usually a fan of science fiction and fantasy. However, the author did a great job of keeping you in the moment by prefacing all chapters with a sighting. After reading about the sightings, the chapters almost seemed a lot more real to me. Also, the author’s writing helped me feel the same things the characters were feeling. In each chapter, I felt like I was in every moment with the character. When Vanessa and Nessie met, this helped me see Nessie as a real animal, especially when Lee said she went through the same thing!
#2 I felt that we understood a lot about Vanessa’s relationship with her mother through Vanessa’s emotional reactions to many situations. However, I would have liked to hear more about how involved she was with the Cryptid Files. We find out about her involvement, briefly, while Vanessa is in the attic searching for information. But, there are not many details beyond that. I think if the author gave more in depth information about how far the mother’s research went, that would have helped. Also, it might have helped us understand the father a little more and how he felt about the Cryptid Files.
#1 Do you think Nessie is real? Before reading this book, my background knowledge on the Loch Ness Monster was minimal. I remember watching a doumentary where a photograph of the alleged monster was shown over and over again. It was a black and white photo of a brontosaurus-type head and neck sticking out of the surface of the water. After reading The Cryptid Files, I feel like I have a better understanding of the mystery surrounding this topic. Michelle, I agree that the information given at the onset of each chapter made me more aware of the research that was out there on the topic. However, I'm still unconvinced that Nessie exists. With all the modern technology that is available to scientists, I feel Nessie's existence would have been confirmed by now. I am a non-believer.
#2) I agree with what was said about #2 already. I wish I knew more about Vanessa's moms involvment in the Cryptid Files. We knew very little about the mother and her involvment, so I don't really think much of it. But, It makes me wonder why she was doing this and not really sharing her reserach with her family. Why wouldn't she let them know.
#3 Why didn’t you tell Vanessa that Lee was going to be on vacation, especially since you were staying with her family?
I think this is an interesting question for the father. We obviously know that he kept this information from Vanessa on purpose, because of the way she was behaving towards Lee. But now I kind of understand why he didn’t tell her. It was apparent that she would have thrown a fit if she knew Lee was going, never mind the fact that they were staying with her family. I thought that the Lee’s aunt and Vanessa really connected though. I think if Vanessa’s dad knew about what had happened with Lee and Nessie, it would have been helpful for him to tell that to Vanessa because she might become more interested in Lee. But it was very interesting how that whole situation played out in the story, I like the way that Jean Flitcroft kept that a secret, and then it was the thing that brought them together.
This was another area in the story that dealt with the family issues. It almost seemed that for most of the vacation nobody really bothered with Vanessa except for the aunt. Then, all of a sudden she goes missing and the family has to work together to find her. Again, I love how Jean Flitcroft kept Lee’s interest in Nessie a secret until this moment when Vanessa needed help. It really helped tie their stories together and create that connection they so desperately needed! For a moment, I thought that Lee was going crazy when she said she knew where Vanessa was- but I like the way it turned out.
#3 Why didn’t you tell Vanessa that Lee was going to be on vacation, especially since you were staying with her family?
As Michelle state, we obviously know the reason as to why the father did this; however, whether I agree with it or not is a different story. Understanding that the father needed to get Vanessa on vacation with her family, i do not think I would be able to lie to my own children in order to get them on vacation. Basically, i would fear the outcome of what the child would think when they arrive at the same place as the person they did not want to be near. On the flip side, if I was the child, I would not react well to this approach. I would not be happy to be deceived by my own mother or father just to get me on vacation. Obviously, I would have reacted like Vanessa being upset and not speaking to my father for the deceitfulness. I do like the way the story ended, wiith the father being lucky that Vanessa and Lee were able to make such a connection on a topic so close to both of them, when neither of them knew it.
This is another one of those questions that could be answered with the basic human nature of, PANIC!! If I had ever lost my own child, I would instantly fear the worst, given how I know how I react to things now. When Vanessa went missing, as a reader, I panicked. I instatnly thought the worst, but I anticipated this to be an opportunity for the author to introduce Nessie as an interactive part of the characters' lives. When she went underwater, I knew it wasn't the end for Vanessa, especially understanding the genre in which I was reading. I did not anticipate Vanessa eating algae in order to survive; however, it was an interesting way to introduce a science fiction character into the story.
#2 I agree with Jen. It was hard to say how the father felt about Vanessa's mother involvement with the Cryptid files. I think it is implied that he must have known about her involvement but his true feelings are not revealed by the author. I think it is up to the reader to decide how the father felt.
#3 The reader can easily conclude why the father kept Lee's as Jen and Michelle have already stated. If Vanessa's dad told her that Lee would be at the house and with them for the duration of the vacation, she would have either refused to go or gave her father a lot of grief for it. It was a situation, I feel, the father just wanted to avoid. I liked Michelle's perspective on how the father might have decided to tell Vanessa had he known of Lee's previous involvement with Nessie. It would have put a different spin on the situation.
#4 I liked Jen's comment that the emotion that Vanessa's father had was PANIC! As a mother of a five-year-old, I can't imagine have your child missing. I think another emotion that the father was probably helplessnes. He didn't know where his daughter was, if she was in read danger, and lastly, he didn't know to find her and fix the problem.
#3 Why didn’t you tell Vanessa that Lee was going to be on vacation, especially since you were staying with her family?
Like our group already stated, this question was supposed to be answered as the “father’s” point of view. As a reader, I would assume that the father didn’t tell Vanessa about Lee being a part of the vacation was to avoid conflict. Vanessa’s attitude towards Lee could put a damper on the vacation if she knew Lee was going to be there. I think the father would have rather Vanessa be excited about the vacation. I don’t think the father was ready to have this argument with his daughter, because it would also make him feel “bad” about Lee being on the vacation.
As a reader, I was stunned when I found out Vanessa went missing. I wasn’t really expecting that to happen, so it all sort of shocked me. When Vanessa was underwater, I had a feeling we would start to get a feeling of who “Nessy” was as a character. We heard so much about Nessy, I guess it would finally time to meet her as a character. The descriptions of Vanessa’s experience under water and Nessy were incredible. While I was reading all of this about Vanessa going under and descriptions of Nessy, I was thinking about how her family was reacting at the same time.
If I was a parent, and found out that my daughter went missing, and had absolutely no clue where she could have been, I would have been a total mess. I don’t even think I would be even to think straight. I don’t think I would have been able to function.
Hi, Jean Flitcroft here. Could I just say how nice it was to read all your thoughtful comments and that I am so glad that you seemed to have enjoyed the book.
In this section I will focus on Alan – Vanessa’s father and his place in the book. As they only allow small amounts of text I will post a few.
As a lawyer he is very evidence based and ‘seeing is believing’ as Marie Conlon pointed out, his interest is primarily because it interests Vanessa and her mother and he has not thought about Loch Ness or the Cryptid Files for years. It’s just a place that he knows would interest Vanessa but above all, it had the attraction that he would be on holiday with Lee, the first woman he has had a relationship with since his wife died two years ago. When a partner dies, you miss the companionship, and it feels like you might never find it again. So Lee and what she represents (potential happiness) is important to him at this point. And this is why he ends up lying or lying through omission about where they are staying at Loch Ness. After Vanessa’s violent anger at the thought of Lee coming on holiday, he takes fright. He wants it to happen very much, he wants Vanessa to like Lee, but he had no idea how to handle her. The boys are easy, they are more like him, more pragmatic, absorbed in the own lives. In lying to the daughter he loves, he shows the reader his difficulty in handling his spirited daughter. He feels helpless and panics, hoping that by going to the Loch it will all come right in the end (as it did, but not necessarily in the way he imagined it.) I think these very words ‘panic and helplesnesss’ were also used by some to describe how he felt when Vanessa fell into the Loch and I would agree, but I suggest that he is also feeling a little of it beforehand and he is ‘terrified’ when she goes missing. It would be unthinkable to lose another loved one, especially a child.
I think it was Michelle who pointed out that nobody appeared to be bothering very much with Vanessa (except Maggie) until she disappeared and then suddenly they all had to pull together to find her. This is very true. Within a family, people will often grieve quite differently because each person had a different relationship to the one who has died and it can be hard to see how the others are coping. With Vanessa’s disappearance the family is brought together and forced feel her importance in their lives. Of course under water Vanessa is doing the exact same thing, in realizing the importance of her brothers and father in her life. And this brings me to a very important point in the book that I don’t believe was discussed much. While the book of course is about the physical hunt for Nessie, the science and the sighting etc, it is also about the emotional journey/hunt, the coming to terms with her grief and in the healing of the scars left by her mother’s death. This is something she wants to do for her mother and herself. It is therefore a very personal exploration for her, and it is Nessie who brings it about. When she falls into the Loch, note that she loses her memory, feels only the sensory – soft water, glowing algae, a sense of well being. This is because she has been stripped of the physical world and is existing without the pain of her mother’s death or Lee and Alan’s relationship. Then slowly, the memory of what is important returns to her, bit by bit and she is able to think about it without feeling sad, and above all come to terms with it.
Here are our four questions:
ReplyDelete1. Do you think Nessie is real?
2. How did you feel about Vanessa’s mother’s involvement with the Cryptid Files?
3. Why didn’t you tell Vanessa that Lee was going to be on vacation, especially since you were staying with her family?
4. How did you feel when Vanessa went missing?
1.) Do you think Nessie is real?
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings. I find it hard to believe that Nessie is really a real "monster", but it also doesn't seem right that there would be so many citings of the Loch Ness monster if it wasn't real. Now, knowing that my wife and daughter Vanessa are so interested and intreged with Nessie and have researched so much about the Loch Ness, I think it's more real than not.
1.) Do you think Nessie is real?
ReplyDeleteI cannot decide how I feel about Nessie. I was so concerned about Vanessa when her mother died. They have the same creative and imaginative personality. I knew that Vanessa would be just as curious when we went on our vacation. Based on all the research that my wife did, and the situations that Lee and Vanessa have been through, I am pulled in the direction to believe in Nessie. But I am also realistic, how is it possible that there could be a sea monster? I don't want to say that I don't believe in Nessie, because then I might as well say that I don't believe in my daughter, and that is not something I am willing to do.
It is hard to say whether or not I believe in Nessie. Before I met my wife, who is now deceased, my background knowledge on the topic was minimal. Much of my wife’s research was based upon individual’s first-hand accounts of Nessie. Their eye-witness accounts fascinated me, but I was always more practical-minded than my wife. However her research did open my eyes to the interesting world of cryptids. When she died, I felt it was best to box up her research so I would not have to revisit the pain of her death. Naturally, I knew my daughter had inherited her mother's curious and adventurous tendencies. I would be able to make a more informed decision on Nessie’s realism if I saw the creature myself. I am not discounted Nessie's existence, but feel strongly that "seeing is believing". To me, the question of the Loch Ness Monster’s existence is irrelevant. What matters is that the mystery surrounding Nessie was important to my wife and now holds a significant place in my daughter’s heart.
ReplyDeleteI consider myself to be the voice of reason in my daughter's imaginative world. I do not believe in Nessie' however I have notieced that I am attracted to women who have a desire to locate Nessie and also believe in her existence. The reality of whether or not Nessie does exist is not important to me, as I feel that life will continue whether or not she is real or fictional. I did feel sorry for Vanessa when my wife died because my wife was an outlet for Vanessa to go to whens he had questions about her Nessie curiosity. Vanessa and her mother spent a lot of time together, and I feel as though my lack of interest or belief in Nessie has caused the relationship I have with my daughter now.
ReplyDelete2. How did you feel about Vanessa's mother's involvement with the Cryptid Files?
ReplyDeleteTo be honest with you, I felt her interest and curiosity were beneficial aspects to our marriage. I travel a lot for my occupation, which left Vanessa's mother home often. The Cryptid Files allowed her to occupy her time while I was away. I did not involve myself in too much of what she did, but I would listen to her and always provide skeptical input about the existence of the Loch Ness Monster. Vanessa's mother was very involved in her research that she always had a rebuttal to what I would argue against as to the existence of Nessie.
2) How did you feel about Vanessa's mother's involvement with the Cryptid Files?
ReplyDeleteWhen Vanessa's mother was alive, I felt that her research in the Cryptid Files was a good hobby. I did not involve myself with the research, but listened whenever she wanted to share. Now that she has passed and I have seen how much Vanessa is like her, I wish that maybe we were more open about her research. Maybe this would have been more helpful for Vanessa, and she would have felt an even deeper connection to her mother now that she knows more about Nessie herself. It also might have helped Vanessa become a better researcher if her mother could have shared her files. But, hindsight is always 20/20 right?
For next week have a discussion about each questions from your point of view as a reader.Make sure you discuss and respond to each other's ideas.
ReplyDelete#1. Do you think Nessy is real?
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started reading this book, I will have to admit, I didn't think Nessy was real at all. However, as I kept reading and got more into the book.... my feelings started to change. The more article clippings I kept reading, and the more interested Vanessa was in doing her research and looking through her mom's research, I did start to change. During the story, I feel like at times, I thought Nessy was real. The way she was described and the way she was "known" and talked about among others, made me believe. However, thinking back at the story as a whole, I still have a feeling that even though it was so well written and "believable" to a point, Nessy is not real.
#1
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jackie, when I first started reading this book, i definitely had my doubts about whether or not Nessie was real. Through the dialogue between characters, specific sightings listed at the beginning of each chapter, as well as research done for various portions of this assignment, I had changed my mind. The elaborate way in which the author described Nessie, I was able to imagine her as a real character, therefore believing in her existence. When the author introduced Nessie beging involved through the superficial world underwater, it made it seem too unbelieveable for me to continue to believe this. Obviously, understanding that this story is a science fiction novel, the author needed to use her imagination regarding the development of the incorporation of Nessie in the story. Now, I do not feel that Nessie is real; however, the real-life facts are interesting and engaging, especially for students who do believe in Nessie's existence. This can be used as a motivator for them.
2. How did you feel about Vanessa’s mother’s involvement with the Cryptid Files?
ReplyDeleteTo be honest with you, I would like to have learned more about the wife's involvement. The author eluded to Vanessa's mother's involvement in the story; however the book left me wondering as to whether or not hte mother might have experienced something similar to that of Vanessa. Most likely she didn't since she was still searching for answers as to whether or not Nessie was real; however I wish there was a tie-up with her involvement. Also, when the author made such a descriptive and engaging discovery of hte crytpid files in the attic, it almost appeared as though there would be more of a development of this portion of the story. This was deceiving, but obviously author's choice! :)
#1
ReplyDeleteI also did not believe in the Loch Ness monster when I first started reading this book. Actually, I didn’t even think I was going to like this book because I am not usually a fan of science fiction and fantasy. However, the author did a great job of keeping you in the moment by prefacing all chapters with a sighting. After reading about the sightings, the chapters almost seemed a lot more real to me. Also, the author’s writing helped me feel the same things the characters were feeling. In each chapter, I felt like I was in every moment with the character. When Vanessa and Nessie met, this helped me see Nessie as a real animal, especially when Lee said she went through the same thing!
#2
ReplyDeleteI felt that we understood a lot about Vanessa’s relationship with her mother through Vanessa’s emotional reactions to many situations. However, I would have liked to hear more about how involved she was with the Cryptid Files. We find out about her involvement, briefly, while Vanessa is in the attic searching for information. But, there are not many details beyond that. I think if the author gave more in depth information about how far the mother’s research went, that would have helped. Also, it might have helped us understand the father a little more and how he felt about the Cryptid Files.
#1 Do you think Nessie is real?
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this book, my background knowledge on the Loch Ness Monster was minimal. I remember watching a doumentary where a photograph of the alleged monster was shown over and over again. It was a black and white photo of a brontosaurus-type head and neck sticking out of the surface of the water. After reading The Cryptid Files, I feel like I have a better understanding of the mystery surrounding this topic. Michelle, I agree that the information given at the onset of each chapter made me more aware of the research that was out there on the topic. However, I'm still unconvinced that Nessie exists. With all the modern technology that is available to scientists, I feel Nessie's existence would have been confirmed by now. I am a non-believer.
#2) I agree with what was said about #2 already. I wish I knew more about Vanessa's moms involvment in the Cryptid Files. We knew very little about the mother and her involvment, so I don't really think much of it. But, It makes me wonder why she was doing this and not really sharing her reserach with her family. Why wouldn't she let them know.
ReplyDelete#3
ReplyDeleteWhy didn’t you tell Vanessa that Lee was going to be on vacation, especially since you were staying with her family?
I think this is an interesting question for the father. We obviously know that he kept this information from Vanessa on purpose, because of the way she was behaving towards Lee. But now I kind of understand why he didn’t tell her. It was apparent that she would have thrown a fit if she knew Lee was going, never mind the fact that they were staying with her family. I thought that the Lee’s aunt and Vanessa really connected though. I think if Vanessa’s dad knew about what had happened with Lee and Nessie, it would have been helpful for him to tell that to Vanessa because she might become more interested in Lee. But it was very interesting how that whole situation played out in the story, I like the way that Jean Flitcroft kept that a secret, and then it was the thing that brought them together.
#4
ReplyDeleteHow did you feel when Vanessa went missing?
This was another area in the story that dealt with the family issues. It almost seemed that for most of the vacation nobody really bothered with Vanessa except for the aunt. Then, all of a sudden she goes missing and the family has to work together to find her. Again, I love how Jean Flitcroft kept Lee’s interest in Nessie a secret until this moment when Vanessa needed help. It really helped tie their stories together and create that connection they so desperately needed! For a moment, I thought that Lee was going crazy when she said she knew where Vanessa was- but I like the way it turned out.
#3
ReplyDeleteWhy didn’t you tell Vanessa that Lee was going to be on vacation, especially since you were staying with her family?
As Michelle state, we obviously know the reason as to why the father did this; however, whether I agree with it or not is a different story. Understanding that the father needed to get Vanessa on vacation with her family, i do not think I would be able to lie to my own children in order to get them on vacation. Basically, i would fear the outcome of what the child would think when they arrive at the same place as the person they did not want to be near. On the flip side, if I was the child, I would not react well to this approach. I would not be happy to be deceived by my own mother or father just to get me on vacation. Obviously, I would have reacted like Vanessa being upset and not speaking to my father for the deceitfulness. I do like the way the story ended, wiith the father being lucky that Vanessa and Lee were able to make such a connection on a topic so close to both of them, when neither of them knew it.
#4
ReplyDeleteHow did you feel when Vanessa went missing?
This is another one of those questions that could be answered with the basic human nature of, PANIC!! If I had ever lost my own child, I would instantly fear the worst, given how I know how I react to things now. When Vanessa went missing, as a reader, I panicked. I instatnly thought the worst, but I anticipated this to be an opportunity for the author to introduce Nessie as an interactive part of the characters' lives. When she went underwater, I knew it wasn't the end for Vanessa, especially understanding the genre in which I was reading. I did not anticipate Vanessa eating algae in order to survive; however, it was an interesting way to introduce a science fiction character into the story.
#2
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jen. It was hard to say how the father felt about Vanessa's mother involvement with the Cryptid files. I think it is implied that he must have known about her involvement but his true feelings are not revealed by the author. I think it is up to the reader to decide how the father felt.
#3
ReplyDeleteThe reader can easily conclude why the father kept Lee's as Jen and Michelle have already stated. If Vanessa's dad told her that Lee would be at the house and with them for the duration of the vacation, she would have either refused to go or gave her father a lot of grief for it. It was a situation, I feel, the father just wanted to avoid. I liked Michelle's perspective on how the father might have decided to tell Vanessa had he known of Lee's previous involvement with Nessie. It would have put a different spin on the situation.
#4
ReplyDeleteI liked Jen's comment that the emotion that Vanessa's father had was PANIC! As a mother of a five-year-old, I can't imagine have your child missing. I think another emotion that the father was probably helplessnes. He didn't know where his daughter was, if she was in read danger, and lastly, he didn't know to find her and fix the problem.
#3
ReplyDeleteWhy didn’t you tell Vanessa that Lee was going to be on vacation, especially since you were staying with her family?
Like our group already stated, this question was supposed to be answered as the “father’s” point of view. As a reader, I would assume that the father didn’t tell Vanessa about Lee being a part of the vacation was to avoid conflict. Vanessa’s attitude towards Lee could put a damper on the vacation if she knew Lee was going to be there. I think the father would have rather Vanessa be excited about the vacation. I don’t think the father was ready to have this argument with his daughter, because it would also make him feel “bad” about Lee being on the vacation.
#4. How did you feel when Vanessa went missing?
ReplyDeleteAs a reader, I was stunned when I found out Vanessa went missing. I wasn’t really expecting that to happen, so it all sort of shocked me. When Vanessa was underwater, I had a feeling we would start to get a feeling of who “Nessy” was as a character. We heard so much about Nessy, I guess it would finally time to meet her as a character. The descriptions of Vanessa’s experience under water and Nessy were incredible. While I was reading all of this about Vanessa going under and descriptions of Nessy, I was thinking about how her family was reacting at the same time.
If I was a parent, and found out that my daughter went missing, and had absolutely no clue where she could have been, I would have been a total mess. I don’t even think I would be even to think straight. I don’t think I would have been able to function.
Hi, Jean Flitcroft here. Could I just say how nice it was to read all your thoughtful comments and that I am so glad that you seemed to have enjoyed the book.
ReplyDeleteIn this section I will focus on Alan – Vanessa’s father and his place in the book. As they only allow small amounts of text I will post a few.
As a lawyer he is very evidence based and ‘seeing is believing’ as Marie Conlon pointed out, his interest is primarily because it interests Vanessa and her mother and he has not thought about Loch Ness or the Cryptid Files for years. It’s just a place that he knows would interest Vanessa but above all, it had the attraction that he would be on holiday with Lee, the first woman he has had a relationship with since his wife died two years ago. When a partner dies, you miss the companionship, and it feels like you might never find it again. So Lee and what she represents (potential happiness) is important to him at this point. And this is why he ends up lying or lying through omission about where they are staying at Loch Ness. After Vanessa’s violent anger at the thought of Lee coming on holiday, he takes fright. He wants it to happen very much, he wants Vanessa to like Lee, but he had no idea how to handle her. The boys are easy, they are more like him, more pragmatic, absorbed in the own lives. In lying to the daughter he loves, he shows the reader his difficulty in handling his spirited daughter. He feels helpless and panics, hoping that by going to the Loch it will all come right in the end (as it did, but not necessarily in the way he imagined it.) I think these very words ‘panic and helplesnesss’ were also used by some to describe how he felt when Vanessa fell into the Loch and I would agree, but I suggest that he is also feeling a little of it beforehand and he is ‘terrified’ when she goes missing. It would be unthinkable to lose another loved one, especially a child.
I think it was Michelle who pointed out that nobody appeared to be bothering very much with Vanessa (except Maggie) until she disappeared and then suddenly they all had to pull together to find her. This is very true. Within a family, people will often grieve quite differently because each person had a different relationship to the one who has died and it can be hard to see how the others are coping. With Vanessa’s disappearance the family is brought together and forced feel her importance in their lives. Of course under water Vanessa is doing the exact same thing, in realizing the importance of her brothers and father in her life. And this brings me to a very important point in the book that I don’t believe was discussed much. While the book of course is about the physical hunt for Nessie, the science and the sighting etc, it is also about the emotional journey/hunt, the coming to terms with her grief and in the healing of the scars left by her mother’s death. This is something she wants to do for her mother and herself. It is therefore a very personal exploration for her, and it is Nessie who brings it about. When she falls into the Loch, note that she loses her memory, feels only the sensory – soft water, glowing algae, a sense of well being. This is because she has been stripped of the physical world and is existing without the pain of her mother’s death or Lee and Alan’s relationship. Then slowly, the memory of what is important returns to her, bit by bit and she is able to think about it without feeling sad, and above all come to terms with it.
ReplyDeleteCatherine, could you email me please as I am getting strange emails from you and I think your account has been compromised. Jean
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