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Black River


Four starred reviews for this debut that will turn readers' hearts inside out.
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Why do you think Wesley felt that Williams "doesn't deserve God"? Do you think his opinion changed by the end of the novel?

Created: 01/08/16

Replies: 4

Posted Jan. 08, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

Why do you think Wesley felt that Williams "doesn't deserve God"? Do you think his opinion changed by the end of the novel?

Wesley tells his pastor that Williams "doesn't deserve God" and that "a man like that doesn't deserve to believe." Why do you think he felt that way, and do you think his opinion changed by the end of the novel?


Posted Jan. 11, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
mal

Join Date: 09/09/13

Posts: 164

RE: Why do you think Wesley felt that Williams "doesn't deserve God"? Do you think his opinion changed by the end of the novel?

Obviously he is angry, bitter over the entire incident and his loss. Traumatic event isn't easy to overcome, obviously Wes still has issues with what transpired and towards Williams. Sketchy to say what Wes was feeling long term.


Posted Jan. 14, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
flute4u

Join Date: 08/14/13

Posts: 50

RE: Why do you think Wesley felt that Williams "doesn't deserve God"? Do you think his opinion changed by the end of the novel?

I think Wesley 's response that Williams was soulless is more telling. Without a soul there is no way to recognize or respond to God. Wesley is a seeker looking for a confident relationship with God that will answer all his questions. His anger at God for the pain and suffering that his wife endured does not equate with his perception of what he deserves for having attended church all his life and his desire to be a just man.


Posted Jan. 17, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Mary J

Join Date: 04/26/15

Posts: 37

RE: Why do you think Wesley felt that Williams "doesn't deserve God"? Do you think his opinion changed by the end of the novel?

Wesley had lived for 18 years with the horrific injuries that Williams inflicted upon him. His long term pain and suffering had caused him to be angry at God for Wesley's perception of "deserving" certain things in life because of attending church and desiring to be a just man. It reminded me of the parable in the Bible of the Lost Son who came home after his life of sin and was forgiven by his father. The other brother didn't think his brother deserved forgiveness, because he had stayed home all that time and worked for his father.


Posted Jan. 18, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
ritah

Join Date: 05/26/11

Posts: 80

RE: Why do you think Wesley felt that Williams "doesn't deserve God"? Do you think his opinion changed by the end of the novel?

As far as reminding one of Bible quotations, I think this is one of those difficult "forgive them, Father, they know not what they do." Wesley struggled with what most of us would struggle with: the concept of forgiveness. It is easy to forgive when the wrong is minor; but, when it is a major as this is, forgiveness is a challenge to the most religious of people. I pray that I will never have to face such a challenge. I truly don't know how I would come out....I suspect very few are actually blessed with this ability to forgive.


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