The ending of this book seemed to signify the end of Benji’s childhood to me. In mention of his sister, Elena, we are reminded of the distinct difference of high school and college aged people. What do you think of as the main differences between these two age groups? Why is the disparity between the two so acute?
The idea of replacement is also presented. Benji speaks of how his group of friends replaced Elena’s and now his group was being replaced by younger children. I’ve thought of this idea before as well, especially when I go back to my high school or college to witness something I once took part in. I have such fond memories of the activities in which I was involved, but I look at the people who have replaced me, knowing their experience is different but hoping they love it as closely as I did. Has anyone experience similar feelings?
Benji also realizes in this last portion of the book that the love of his life is the beach house he grew up in and “what [he] put in it,” (p. 251) rather than any of the girls he pines after. He knows every detail of the house down to the creaks and door knobs. He expresses, “I could be the real me because this is where I lived, free from what happened and who I came to be. No matter what people saw when they looked at me, there was this man inside,” (p. 251). To me, this is his own poignant way of realizing that he is no longer a child. Did any of the rest of you take note of this passage? If so, what were your thoughts on it?
It’s funny how places (especially houses) can help you to see how far you’ve come in life. I think of Miranda Lambert’s song The House That Built Me, and know that I can’t be alone in thinking this. Benji describes some very good memories of his time in this house (and seemingly better times in his family). What is it about a sense of place and memories of our childhoods that evoke such tender memories of being a child? Is there a place in your own past that has touched you in ways that Sag Harbor touched Benji?
I hope everyone enjoyed reading this book. Because we are at a busy point in the semester, we are going to take the month of November off from the Book Club. We thought reconvening in December would be appropriate since the academic reading load will be less. Please check back next week for a list of choices for the December read as well as a brief synopsis for each choice. We will set the voting period to end Wed. November 24 so we can allow time for everyone to get a copy of the selected book and begin reading Nov. 29 (the beginning of the first incomplete week of December).
Ellen
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