How did you feel about the initial shift to Astrid’s point of view? How did it change your understanding of the characters?
Astrid’s story was the most logical to be told next. It provided needed context about what actually transpired on that fatal night, the relationships of the three characters (more casual than I anticipated initially) and her reaction, as compared with Ivan’s. Her life journey was compelling and surprising.
Astrid had to have a voice in order for any objectivity regarding Ivan and Eddie’s version of events. Her telling filled in some gaps and buttressed other sections. I enjoyed hearing about her life, and I also really enjoyed it when other characters saw her on billboards or on tv. It made the strain stay alive in a way.
I liked that all of the characters had a distinct viewpoints and voices.
I liked Astrid the best of the characters. Perhaps because she appeared more often in the various stories, sometimes only as a photo. She seemed to provide a thread that linked back to Ivan and Eddie. I also get she gave us more insight to the men’s friendship.
Astrid…hmmm…. who was she?