[Dr. Drib]

One of the questions I posed to my students before we started reading and before I provided them any background information was this:

"What is your view of Heaven?"

Of course, ANY view is respected. The question was provided to get them to think about how/what they feel BEFORE they encounter something that conceivably might be different from their own views.

One of the issues the novel interrogates is the grieving process and the many ways in which we cope with our feelings. In this context, too, the novel is rich and courageous in its views. It's a deeply felt personal journey that we all must face, in whatever context, as we move through life. Yes, it can be deprressing, if one wishes to view it that way.

For me, reading this novel was a positive experience that I cherish. Additionally, in my opinion, the novel is good art - what we call Literature.

I can highly recommend this novel OUTSIDE of academia.


Don