The Greens of Jericho

Reviewer: Penny Lane Signed [Report This]
Date: 05 Jul 2008 10:35:06 PM Title: Chapter 3

 

Really interesting contrast here between Emily, and her inner conflict over her friends and people she cares about, and Heather having to be 'interrogated' by the officials about her nightmarish experience in New Bern. I think in some ways, they're both caught up in these moments where they are trying to steel themselves, to put up a bit of distance between themselves and the situations in front of them.

I think you've captured Emily's character well. I often don't really sympathize with her, but I think you've shown her as someone who is understandable, with human flaws. You take us through her thought process. I do really feel for her here:

Yet she could not make herself go inside.

You’re being ridiculous, she chastised herself. This is your best friend. You should be beating down the door to see her! For pity’s sake, she was going to stand up for you at your wedding! You’ve worked with her side by side for the last three years. Just take that step.

Yet she could not make herself go inside.

You’re going to have to face her. You’re going to have to tell her sooner rather than later.

And still she did not go inside.

Emily stood for a few moments longer watching people enter and exit the building before tucking the textbook under her arm, burying her hands in her back pockets, and walking away.

The refuge she's taking in Jake- that had seemed simple and normal- is about to become more complicated.

I loved the way Heather holds her ground during the 'debriefing'. Especially the fact that she tells Beck to sit. I really liked this line:

Heather nodded, and then realizing an audio recording was being made, added a vocal affirmation. “Yes, I was caught. Rule #10: Never be afraid to get your hands dirty. That rule applies to fixing cars and sabotaging neighboring cities’ munitions factories.”

She is someone who has lost a lot of innocence in a short amount of time, but she has held onto her sense of self. I love the contrast between vulnerability and strength you've given her here.

Excellent chapter.

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Author's Response:

Thank you, Penny!  Emily is not my favorite character.  There are a number of qualities that she possesses that absolutely irritate me; nevertheless, I don't believe her to be evil incarnate.  Like everyone else, she's trying to get along the best that she knows how.  Except now suddenly the things she thinks she knows are about to be called into question. 

As for Heather, I have to admit that it's been a tough line to walk.  She's experienced so much more from having been in New Bern and seen firsthand how horrific it is when civilization breaks down.  I always looked at New Bern as the flip side of the coin: what Jericho could have become without the strong leadership of Johnston Green.  Those experiences have shaped the person who is sitting across from Major Beck and telling him what happened there.  On the other hand, I don't want Heather to be so completely changed from her experiences that she's a character I don't recognize.  I'm glad her strength and vulnerability could shine through, largely because I find her to be a character who has both in spades.

Thank you again!