The ending came as a surprise for me. There was a lot that happened to get to the end. What did you think?

Yeah, I thought so too. I was quite taken aback by the sudden violence. Did not see that coming even though I should have. I thought the pacing was excellent all throughout.

Like Terri and Poornimaa, the ending came as a surprise to me. Looking back on the narrative that led up to that ending, I can agree with the author that there was probably no other way for it to end. I was glad that Sam was the one who inherited Charlie's lands. I just hope that he used them wisely; that he remembered with love the man who saved his life, who loved him and didn't let the violent ending of Charlie and Sylvan mar his future.

I was very surprised by the sudden, violent ending. Charlie never really seemed like a person who would resort to murder, but then again, we do not know anything about his past. Maybe he was so upset by Sylvan's choice to stay with Boaty that it pushed him over the edge. No matter, it was still a very good book with a satisfying, if depressing, conclusion.

I didn't see the ending coming either, although I had made a note to myself while reading the book to think about the meaning of the knives, why he had the character as a butcher. Although the ending shocked me, it wasn't unpredictable. Why did Charlie kill Sylvan? Was it that they were both miserable? Did he go crazy? Did they argue before he killed her? How far ahead did Charlie plan it? He had the knife with him, so it must have been premeditated. It was a sad, depressing ending, but I don't see how it could have been otherwise.

I totally agree with SusanJ. The ending was a total surprise. Just did not see it coming. Such a mellow book with everyone happy and boom so many things happened all at once.

I agree with all of these comments. I thought Woolrick created an ending that was both well-foreshadowed and a total surprise - something that is hard to do. The violence seemed uncharacteristic, but given the circumstances that developed throughout the book I can understand how Charlie might have seen no other way out.

Yes, I agree as well. Didn't see it coming and not sure I understand it either especially since Charlie was with him. He had always been somewhat protective of Charlie.

I agree with LauraP. I did not see the violence at the end coming, and it was very out of character for Charlie. I felt poor Sam's confusion and inner turmoil when it happened.

I thought the ending was contrived. Obviously, Charlie and Sylvan did have other choices. Charlie could have walked away from the situation, but he was obsessed with something he couldn't have. Desire is the cause of all unhappiness, according to Buddhism. Sylvan was a disappointment, but what else could be expected from a person whose personality was formed by the "perfect moments" she saw on the movie screen.

The ending blew me away. I actually had to put the book down, I was so dumbstruck. I did not expect him to kill her. It all just broke my heart...Sylvan accusing him then walking out of court, Charlie's brother's descent into alcohol, seemed like everyone was hurt by this all consuming passion...even Sam's parents.

I was surprised as I was reading it. A bit violent, but then I realized there were clues throughout as the knives were referred to so often. Also how else could the relationship end between these two. So after giving it some thought it was a logical ending, I guess.

The ending surprised me. I could see Charlie killing himself, but was surprised at him murdering Sylvan. I was even more surprised at him doing all this when Sam was present - someone he loved and cared about or at leadt had. It was such a powerful moment that like many others, I had to stop reading for a few minutes and think about the events that led up to such a tragic action and then the ramifications of that action.

I agree with the others, I did not see it coming. It was a little depressing, but try as I might, I cannot thinK of a better way to end it.