I thought the mud scene very symbolic of breaking that wall between Daisy and Birdie. After that they were able to move on some and heal past hurts.

You know I’m still not sure that Daisy didn’t have some idea that Shorty Long was her father. He was always so interested in what and how she was doing. He left them the houses. I don’t know, it just seems odd to me that she never had any inkling.

Turk never redeemed himself to me. Percy Walker deserved what he got. Shorty Long was a good man but my favorite had to be Lupe. He sounds like quite the gentleman.

I hope to get my review written today or tomorrow. I was sad to see this book end. I know all good books must come to an end but I would have still liked more.

Yasmin, I wondered why Daisy hadn’t been more persistent as well. It seemed almost out of character for her not to ask, but I think she was a different person in her younger days. Looking how she followed Turk in NY shortly after they were married verses the broom scene. Time changed her into an aggressive person. By the time she became mean and aggressive, I don’t think it was a thought until she moved in with Birdie.

I am glad I am not the only one who felt for Daisy. I know she was a bad mother, but so was Birdie. I say bad, like in dysfunctional. I think they all loved one another, but had so many other issues causing those to corrupt the love.

I don’t mean to be flip — but the Bible is the best source for conflict. Just spice it up some more with a few modern day equivalents and you’ve got great scene.

Yasmin/Dawn – as far as Daisy not knowing who her father was — I spoke to a group of ladies from my church. The age varied. But to a one, the older of them said there were certain things that just weren’t talked about back then. Remember why there was a split? There might have still been danger. And, I do think Daisy was naive up til she left town and after she had too many other things to deal with rather than thing of fatherhood. I think.

re: J. Kaye’s comment about the mud scene. I wondered the same thing … was it inspired by a story or “tall tale” you’ve heard? What a way to settle an argument!

Percy Walker – what a hypocrite (among other choice words I could use!). To take advantage of Daisy as a girl … horrible of any man, extra horrible to be a “man of the cloth”. Again, very powerful writing on Bonnie’s part!

I don’t think Turk suspected that Olivia Jean wasn’t his. He doted on her (at his convenience), but shut her off when she got pregnant. I think he believed she was his child.

As far as Daisy not wondering if Shorty Long was her father. … you make a good point, Yasmin. But Birdie was a bit of a rebel in everything she did … maybe Daisy simply accepted that her father was someone who was just passing thru town one time. It’s been a few months since I read the book, but I don’t remember Birdie feeding Daisy any story about who her father was (am I forgetting?). I know they named her Daisy specifically because of her lighter skin, so it was a big deal (not subtle).

This is another great discussion, let’s see where it goes ….

JKay–I loved that mud scene…and keep reading…cause the good Pastor is going to get his comeuppance…well I hoped he did.