Warning: Contains Spoilers!
‘Make your daddy even more proud than he already is.’
Aufwader’s Thoughts: When I first read Cherry’s story I found it to be, well, a little schmaltzy. But then, everything about Cherry is larger-than-life and soap-operaish, so why shouldn’t her backstory be similar?
Whatever you think of the tragic tale of an estranged daughter meeting her dying father for the last time in a seedy Chicago dive and deciding to follow her true life’s path before it’s too late, I say it fits.
Matt’s Thoughts: What can I say about this interlude except that it’s beautifully written? Also, after the very English-bound nature of – well, of all the Jarvis stories we’ve been covering in this re-read – to have a sudden switch to Chicago (for a meeting between two Canadians) is an interesting change. At the same time, it’s also a tragic flashback and arguably one of the most moving things in the book so far.
Finally, in subtle Jarvis style, he’s snuck past the editors again … this time with an exotic dancer who becomes a witch.
