This book came highly recommended from a friend from college and after reading it, I know why! It is unbelievable to think there could be a killer in our own neighborhood. The attack was told is such a matter of fact way that it made it even more horrible to readers.
Susie Salmon was just coming home from school one day when her neighbor Mr. Harvey wanted to show her something. Susie thought he was strange but her curiosity led her to a cave/whole in the ground Mr. Harvey dug. She was raped and killed.
I think the main issue I had with this book was the portrayal of heaven. Every one's heaven was different and the fact that Susie was sad in her heaven. I felt it was torture for her to watch what was happening on earth. I felt so sorry for Susie's father. He knew Mr. Harvey killed her but could not prove it. The people in the town began to consider him crazy. I imagine the violent murder of your child would have that affect! I did like when Susie saw all of the victims of Mr. Harvey in heaven. It was as though they had all joined forces again evil. I imagine the hardest part of all was watching everyone else grow up and move on with their lives...something Susie could never do.
Everyone in town seemed to think Ray had something to do with her murder because he was different. I thought the sexual description of his mother was a little strange. I also found it unbelievable that Susie made a connection with Ruth. The two weren't really friends but Ruth knew when Susie was there. The death also brought Ruth and Ray together. People often react oddly when there is a tragedy. Mrs. Salmon began an affair with the detective named Len, who worked the murder case. Mrs. Salmon and her mother even came to an understanding of one another.
In the end, Mr. Harvey is killed by an icicle....Susie's idea of the perfect murder weapon. I felt like Susie got closure by knowing he was dead and you can't help but wonder if she helped cause his death because of the weapon used.
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