Ell
Well-Known Member
RK, now I understand why you relate to Smithy so strongly. If you're like Smithy, no wonder I like your posts.
You asked if Smithy changed or just learned to accept himself. I think he learned to accept himself - at least the part that he'd buried under the lazy, fat-ass persona. The Smithy at the end of the book is the same Smithy, but without as many walls around him.
My first reaction to the ending was similar to yours - that I wished McLarty had continued on to tell us what happens to Norma and Smithy - but now I realize it's better the way it is. Who knows what will become of any relationship? The story that needed to be told was over and a story of their ongoing relationship would be something entirely different.
You asked if Smithy changed or just learned to accept himself. I think he learned to accept himself - at least the part that he'd buried under the lazy, fat-ass persona. The Smithy at the end of the book is the same Smithy, but without as many walls around him.
My first reaction to the ending was similar to yours - that I wished McLarty had continued on to tell us what happens to Norma and Smithy - but now I realize it's better the way it is. Who knows what will become of any relationship? The story that needed to be told was over and a story of their ongoing relationship would be something entirely different.
Very insightful. You reminded me of the comment she made at his parents' funeral that she wasn't just about her legs. I'd forgotten that.Norma's disability actually taught her a great lesson. She knew she was still the same without use of her legs. That let her know that even though Smithy looked different and seemed a little different he was still Smithy.
He was a bit mean to her, but I thought it was in a realistic kind of 'boys don't play with babyish girls' kind of way. I think she saw how much he cared for Bethany and took responsibility for her wellbeing at the detriment of his own social development and friendships. There was probably a school-girl crush going on too, but I think she saw the innate goodness in him.Here's something odd though. He was actually kinda mean to Norma as a kid. As his junior, do you think she idealized him? Do you think she believed in who he could be, instead of who he was? I need to re-read that part.