Mebel ponders her relationship with Henk, feeling that she may have been overconfident in her assessment of her position. She recalls mistakenly thinking that “maybe they’d come to a state in their marriage where they no longer needed to affirm each other.” (p. 67-68). Do you feel she took their relationship for granted? Should she have sensed Henk’s interest in their cook? Do you imagine there was anything she could have done to prevent Henk from leaving?
I never got the feeling Mebel was overconfident in the relationship. She knew her part. She played it as she was expected. I felt she was a kind person and did not flaunt her wealth or position. It just was.
There is nothing Mebel could have done to prevent Henk from leaving. I think the sad part of this story is Mebel thought cooking (like Wendy) would be the best thing for the relationship. I felt bad for her.
I don’t think that she could have done anything to prevent Henk from leaving. She couldn’t have read his mind. It was the best thing that could have happened to her. So much growth for her in leaving and doing something for her.
I agree with this viewpoint. Such a huge life change for Mebel which will lead to opportunities for her. The envisioning of that recipe for the duck recipe showed Mebel’s talent which I hope will be used for a whole new life. She is taking in the life lessons as she says on the last page of the book. I know that the London School of Culinary Arts is going to be great for Mebel, as she will be for all of the people who encounter her. Select jalan, Mebel. (Bon voyage, in Indonesian.)
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Nope. A dog’s gonna be a dog.