Do you think Edwin and Una are a good fit for each other? Do you think their relationship will endure?

Do you think Edwin and Una are a good fit for each other? Do you think their relationship will endure? Why or why not?

Edwin is not perfect by any means and that’s a good start for any type of fit with Una. It’s hard to say whether or not their relationship will endure. Una is clearly a handful. He knew that from the start. He appreciates her wit and that’s a good beginning for the makings of a relationship and a hero. I appreciate that they are fascinated by each other in such stressful and disciplined environment. I liked their relationship, I found it romantic. The presence of Edwin was not just to be the hero, but it caused Una to reflect upon her past and gave readers a different way to see her character. The confession of the secret relationship to Dru was also a huge bonding moment for the two ladies and furthered their friendship.

I do think they are a good fit. They both come to the relationship with character defects. They are able to be honest and vulnerable with each other about there shortcomings in the end.

Although a very surprising match, I do feel that Edwin and Una are a good match and really bring out each other's strengths. I was disappointed when Edwin took a step back after Una came clean about her background, but that would be a lot to handle!

I couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed that the author brought a romantic relationship into the story. Just as Una was beginning to thrive as a strong, intelligent, committed nursing student, in walks a man to distract her. Fortunately, the romantic interest was a little more progressive and respected Una’s intelligence and admired her skills as a nursing student. Whether they survive as a couple or not, I think it was a very important part of the story when Una shared who she really was, called Edwin out for his hypocrisy, and did not let his negative comments deter her from continuing along her path to change who she was becoming. She did not curl up in a corner and lament the loss of a man in her life. Entering into a relationship with Edwin gave Una a chance to learn about healthy relationships and trusting another person. I think this showed how her mindset was shifting from merely surviving to really living.

I do think they are a good fit but considering the time period, I do not think it will last. Edwin's family would likely not approve of the relationship moving forward. The Westervelt's will not let their son marry someone who is not from a well-established family.

Edwin's and Una's relationship was the only part of the book that didn't ring true to me. I highly doubt that someone from Edwin's part of the world would seriously consider a relationship with someone from Una's part of the world. Their upbringings would be too different.

They only way I could see their relationship continuing successfully is if they both moved far away from and gave themselves new identities. Otherwise the class differences at that time would be too hard to overcome for them to have any type of relationship except an illicit one.

I think it is a good match but if they decide to marry Una acceptance into Edwin's family will be problematic due to the difference in class and wealth status. Additionally, Una had finally been succeeding the nursing program and her love relationship was clearly a distraction.

I liked their relationship - but given the class distinctions of the time, his family would definitely not have approved. But I think they are both strong enough to deal with that issue and the author did a good job of weaving it into the story. I also liked her relationship with Dru.

Edwin’s father rejected the expectations that were imposed upon him by his family. While Edwin was a little ashamed of his father’s behavior, he wasn’t hindered professionally by his connection to his father. His family didn’t write him off either. Perhaps his family will accept Una, given their experience with Edwin’s father.

I agree with elizaj's insightful post. I found other comments about the relationship being doomed because Edwin's family would not accept Una miss the point. This is a novel with the clear theme that people canned do change and grow. Neither Edwin nor Una would care about about his family's opinion. Does anyone ponder whether Romeo and Juliet would have lived a long happy married life? Completely irrelevant to the story.

Wether they are fit for each other is not the real question because that would never be answered. Given the times and Edwin's status, their marriage would be impossible.
If they foolishly chose to run away together, it would be a life of social shunning and, most likely, poverty. This would be uncomfortable for Una and unbearable for Edwin. Not a good foundation for their budding relationship.
They may, however, be life-long friends. The sexuality of young lovers would have to be subsumed. Una would become a professional nurse, financially independent and respected in her field, although always an outcast because of her class status and criminal record as a thief. Her verve, intelligence and outlandish behavior would dovetail nicely with Edwin's emerging social awareness and thrill at her non-conformity. A good basis for friendship but a difficult ask.

Like others, I was disappointed that a romantic relationship was inserted when Una was just getting herself together. That being said, don't think it would last. Too many status issues between them.

I agree with Jessica, they make a good couple, compliment one another, challenge each other. However, social pressures would make it incredibly difficult for her to be accepted in his social stratus. The only possible way for their relationship is to move away from both pasts- Start fresh somewhere else.

What I like about their relationship is that both are questioning the systems. Una for how the patients are handled without compassion by some doctors or nurses and Edwin for the old methods the doctor are using for healing patients like "bleeding".
The introduction of Edwin in the story saves Ulna from punishment or loosing her position as a student-nurse. There is an attraction between them because they are both fighters and self-righteous. Will the relationship last? There are many issues from that time period about social status that will need to be addressed and overcome.

Yes, I do think Edwin and Una are a good fit for each other. They are both strong-willed enough to fight for what they want. Both enter the relationship with flaws that they accept in each other. I'd like to believe that their relationship will endure even though social status during this time period is so important. Possibly Una's status from her nursing training will help smooth the way for their future.

Edwin and Una are a good fit for each other. Both had fathers who made their lives difficult. Even with the differences in social status I think they can succeed as a couple because I envision Edwin becoming independent of his family and choosing to live his life by his own rules.

Yes, I think they will be a good fit. After they opened up to each other about past issues in their lives, they felt closer to one another. They respected one another and that is critical to a lasting relationship.

After my editor read the story, he said he was a bit disappointed that Una didn't end up with Barney. Does anyone else agree?

I confess, I never even really considered Barney. I guess because I felt like he didn't know Una as well Edwin came to know her. But even though he was fairly well-to-do too, there would have been fewer class issues between them.

Amanda! How exciting to hear from you in the discussion. Thank you so much for sharing with us!

I never saw Una with Barney. In many ways, he was the one person who saw the potential in Una. He was like a big brother figure-or close friend-who was just waiting for her to make a change and take a chance on a different and better life for herself. He never judged Una. He recognized her intelligence and knew she was capable of caring for others. I think this is why he did not have a problem forging documents for Una to apply to the nursing program.

When the reader is first introduced to Barney I did pause to consider the possibility. However, Barney quickly left my thoughts once Edwin appeared. :)

I think that you have to have the ability to suspend your disbelief to buy into the Edwin and Una match. Although I do have to say that I enjoy a happily ever after, I think that there are some pretty big obstacles (family, education) to any "conventional" match. Nonetheless, that is part of the wonder of fiction, no? Although I don't know that the pairing strengthens the story, I didn't find it much of a distraction.