At the end of the war, each woman was in a different place, physically and emotionally. What do you think of the choices they were forced to make to survive?

At the end of the war, each woman was in a different place, physically and emotionally. What do you think of the choices they were forced to make to survive?

In a situation as horrific as they each found themselves in, there are no choices that don't bring damage to the spirit. I think the author did a great job of providing us just enough "backstory" and present context for us to understand why each woman acted as she did. And to me, understanding is important to suspend judgment and offer empathy in its place. One element that strikes me is how each woman keenly felt the limitations of her station due to being a woman -- though each came from a different economic class, marriage was the only way forward. Right away, their choices were limited to reacting, not shaping their future by playing a professional or public role on their own.

the choices each woman made were based on survival and the fact that their country was also in shambles. They found themselves widowed with children and not looking at a ton of options as well.