How did the ghostly elements help round out the story?

How did the ghostly elements help round out the story?

I enjoyed the ghostly aspects of the novel. I think the ghosts of Odette's mother and Eleanor provided humor and, most importantly, insight into the characters that might not have been possible otherwise. I also very much enjoyed the conversations that Odette had with her mother, I think most people would love to be able to converse with their deceased relatives, especially their parents.

I also thought the ghosts brought humor and a relief to some of the more difficult issues.

The ghosts filled in gaps in the story without forcing the main characters to explain themselves. For instance, Lester's discussion with Odette about the mistake he had made in pushing Barbara Jean into marriage was helpful in explaining their relationship. And Odette's mother filled in a good bit of Odette's "history." Unlike others, I did not care for the Eleanor Roosevelt host - perhaps because I have always admired her and considered the characterization a bit disrespectful.

I believe in ghosts and that they can communicate with some of us. I think in this story it provided consistent insight into the characters as well as some comic relief. I loved the juicy gossipy part.

I loved the ghosts. Real eccentric Southern literature. If you could talk to the dead, would you fear death?
The ghosts gave a fourth dimension to this novel. They rounded out the story at times and were always a source of humor and entertainment.

The ghosts follow in the tradition of Southern literature. They did add some dimension to a rather weak plot.

The ghosts were entertaining and true to Southern literature. I agree with laurap in that I wasn't thrilled with the Eleanor Roosevelt character. I thought it unnecessary and a bit over the top.

They were a humorous Greek chorus. Also they could observe things that might have gone unnoticed.

The ghosts added an element of southernism to the story. It seemed to fit right in.

I enjoyed the ghosts and thought that they were very funny. They also gave some of the background to the people in the story.