After finishing
Eleanor & Park, I can say that I really enjoyed the story. Time flew when I
read this book, especially reading the last portion. We saw Park’s mom really
start to like Eleanor. At the same time, as Park’s relationship seemed to be
improving with his dad, he decided to wear eyeliner. His dad does not approve.
I must admit, I was a little thrown off by this too. I did not see this coming,
and did not really understand why he did this. I did not like that because Park’s
dad was becoming one of my favorite background characters, but I wanted him and
Park to get along. On Eleanor’s front, just when you think kids may have backed
off a little bit from teasing Eleanor, her clothes get put in a toilet. This
was maddening. Then, what was maybe the biggest surprise in this reading to me,
was finding out who was writing on Eleanor’s books: Richie. I thought for sure
it was someone at school, most likely Tina. Seeing that it was Richie just
shows more evidence of how terrible a father and a man he is. I just didn’t
understand what made Richie so crazy to always be so upset with Eleanor. I don’t
know what
could drive someone to abuse someone as much as he goes after Eleanor and
the rest of her family. What is even more perplexing to me, is how Eleanor’s
mom could continue
to stay with such an abusive man.
When Eleanor
arrives home after being out with Park in the end of the book, she is finally
driven to run away. This leads to Park driving her to Minnesota to stay with
her uncle. This gave way to one of my favorite scenes in the book, when Park’s
dad actually lets him drive her. I thought for sure he would say no! Luckily, Eleanor’s aunt and uncle take her in. I was very frustrated with the ending to
the book. Why didn’t she call him? Why didn’t they write to each other more
than just Eleanor’s one postcard? As frustrated as it made me, these are the
types of endings to the stories I usually most like. Rainbow Rowell left me
wanting more of the story, and that is why I was pleased with Eleanor &
Park.
It's very hard for people in abusive relationships to leave. They often form Stockholm-syndrome like attachments to their abusive partners. Finances can also get in the way of being able to leave.
ReplyDeleteI think Eleanor's Mom also felt trapped with Richie and told herself that her children were mostly safe so she stayed with him. When she realized that no one was safe with Richie she left with her kids.
ReplyDeleteI was also very surprised that Park's dad let him take the car to go save Eleanor. I know his dad really did care about her, I just didn't think he would allow his son to do this. He is also one of my favorite characters throughout the story.
ReplyDeleteI was so sad when she didn't call too! You always find the best pictures. I love Parks dad! He's one of my favorites.
ReplyDeletePark's mother definitely builds some empathy in a very dramatic but very human way. I thought it would be feasible for it to play out in a situation where they never see eye to eye, antagonizing her. I think she didn't call because the situation was so misanthropic.
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