What is the significance of the title?

There was a lot of healing in this book. The slaves were healed physically as well as emotionally by Polly Shine. But importantly, Granada was healed and became a whole person due to the teaching and healing by Polly. Without Polly's healing, Granada wouid have continued to be only a reflection of the slave owners views and would not have become a healer herself.

The healing refers to the healing of the slaves as well as the emotional healing of Granada. She did become a whole person because of the teachings of Polly, who showed her how to behave as well as how to become a healer herself.

To me, the title refers to the end of the book when the slaves are free, living on their own, celebrating life, and healing

The Healing has more than one meaning. It is about Polly and Granada healing, the slaves healing from their mistreatment, Miss Amanda healing from the deaths of her children, and the little girl healing from the death of her mother when she comes to Gran-Gran.

Healing occurs on many levels in the book: in the head, in the heart, and in the body. The term "heartache" comes to mind with Miss Amanda, the little girl, Granada's mother and others. Healing begins in the head because until our thoughts change, we cannot physically or emotionally heal.

I agree with all the above posts but that is the one area that I was a bit disappointed in. It seemed to be such a obvious title. With all of his great descriptive writing and multiple layers in the characters lives: maybe something not quite so plain and obvious?

I see all the different types of healing that everyone has mentioned and think they are true to the title but another one occurs to me. I think 'the healing' could also be that it is a process that is still going on. This country is a still a long way from being totally healed from that period of our history that included slavery. I think most of us would agree that not all of our citizens, to this day, truly believe that all men are created equal.

Although Kate stated that The Healing is such an obvious title, I feel it enveloped every aspect of the story. The healing took place on so many levels, with each character, in different ways. I usually try to understand why an author chose a particular title for his/her book. I think this title was a perfect fit.

As others have said, healing is a theme that occurs in this novel on many different levels. I wonder if we could even make a more global statement that this novel tries to help the healing between the races generally. This is a healing process that has been ongoing for decades and will continue for many more decades.

There could not have been a more appropriate title for this book. Physical healing, emotional healing, race healing all took place on the pages of this book. When I finished reading the last page I felt as if I, too, had been healed. A powerful story. My grateful thanks to Mr. Odell. Eagerly look forward to his next story.

Healing definitely refers to Polly who was the Healer bought to save the slaves. She worked her magic in some obvious and mysterious ways. Granada was taught Polly's skills so that she could continue as the healer (once Polly was gone). This established a role for Granada, since she had never been considered a part of the slave community. I don't know about the occupants of the main house. They seemed to continue in their misguided ways.

Granada is healed by Polly. Polly helps her to discover herself and find her value. Granada was under the impression that she was accepted as an equal by her mistress. Polly helped her to see who she really was.