Emily eventually publishes her journal entries into a book, parts of which are included between chapters of Before Dorothy. What did you think of their inclusion? What did they add to your understanding of Emily and her life? Do you keep a journal?
I liked the inclusion of parts of her journal. I thought it provided a nice brief summary of how she viewed her life at the moment. It demonstrated what a thoughtful and caring person she was. At first I didn’t realize that the excerpts were part of an upcoming publication.
I don’t have the patience to keep a journal. When I was between 12 and 25 I used to write lots of letters to family, friends and men in the military. When I look back I now realize that it was a form of journaling.
I really liked those journals. They provided Emily’s inner thoughts. It made me feel even closer to her character. While that is a great way for the author to bring an additional warmth and rounding out Emily’s character in reality few people share their most truthful inner thoughts in diaries and journals to others, even there closest confidants.