Reply To: What parts of The Grey Wolf resonated with you the most? Why?
I agree with you, Jane, about that chapter. It was a huge highlight of this book for me. That whole interlude back at the monastery, from beginning to end, was so full of touching, important moments. In Armand and Jean-Guy’s relationship, I thought it brilliant to bring them back to the scene where so much damage and hurt had occurred, and then show the healing and progress in their relationship, and the putting away those last vestiges of guilt and regret. They are indeed stronger since they were broken, and I love to see examples of that.
And the relationships with their wives is showcased, too — the first impulse of both was to contact their spouses and reassure them that they were safe after that nearly disastrous plane ride. I always love seeing examples of the wonderful relationships that Armand/Reine-Marie, JG/Annie have; those are beautiful to witness. The scene with Reine-Marie at home, trying not to jump to conclusions, trying to decide what to say to Annie and Daniel, trying to hold it together — that was so well done! I could really feel her anguish, and then her relief.
And your third example, of JG letting the music wash over him — what a difference between that and his first reactions to the chants! Another sweetly done example of how he’s found so much peace within himself after all those struggles, and has learned to allow himself to feel the beauty and healing of such things. You chose some excellent moments!
