Overall this section proved to overall be a disappointment to me. I was first upset with how the author got rid of Ms. Wilcox’s character by having her going to Paris. She was the perfect role model for Mattie; a successful, assertive, independent woman and writer. However by leaving her running away from her husband and her problems I feel it began the spiral of uncertainty in Mattie’s life.

When I found out her decision to stay and be with Royal I became even more frustrated. I was outraged when I read “I’m not going. I’m not going to New York City… Royal and I… we’re sparking. I’m going to… he’s… I’m staying here. We’re going to be married.” (312). In just these few lines she made it apparent that she was completely letting go of her dreams. I think this realization can easily be tied to her teacher also letting a man have complete control of her life. I found myself angry that she was staying in Northern Woods to live the life that she most definitely does not want. However, as I kept reading it turns out that Royal was merely using Mattie to get a portion of her father’s land. Finding out the truth about the deceiving Royal Loomis and his intentions was shocking. My heart broke for Mattie but I was happy with her final decision to go to New York.

To wrap it up I found myself to be dissatisfied reading the last section of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the other sections of this book and was extremely intrigued by the characters, setting, story, and the writing style. However the ending seems to be lacking the conclusion I feel the story rightfully deserves. Reading the last few pages it seemed almost thrown together which was very unlike the rest of the story. I find myself unsettled with how she left off Grace Brown’s murder and Mattie’s decision to go into the City. I will never know exactly what happened to Grace, who Chester/ Carl was and if he killed her,and also if he will get the punishment that he deserves. Matties future is all up to speculation too; whether she made it to Barnard or not and how that turned out. Also what happened to Ms. Wilcox, Weaver, her family, and the rest of the characters from North Woods. The story leaves me with many unanswered questions but I am left to assume that everythting turned out the way it was went to for Mattie. I can only hope that all of her dreams came trye and she moved on to live a happy successful life.