A Different Ending

Use this forum to discuss the January 2021 Book of the month, "The Vanished" by Pejay Bradley
AngieOdeh
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Re: A Different Ending

Post by AngieOdeh »

The ending is too open, one might think that there is another part conning. So many loose ends. Would Embom resolve his family situation? Or avenge his dead friends? Or is just meant to be that way and end up like the title of the book, vanished.
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Post by Sushan Ekanayake »

The end is abrupt when compared to the effort that the author has made to develop the story from the beginning. Anyway, we actually don't see Embon's emotions rather than his actions. But I don't think that it could have ended in any other way given that he had a guilt driven or avenge driven mind for the death of his friend
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Post by Josephe-Anne »

To me, the story isn't over. There's still so much more to be said. What ever happened to Embon's mother and father? What about his wife, Insoon? Will he reconcile with her or will he find his long-lost love, Mitzuko? What about Korean independence? Did Embon end up involved with the North or the South? (I suspect he supported the southern culture because of their Western influences.)

I didn't expect the narrative to just cut off like that. I thought the ending would have answered some of those questions.
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Post by Brownbrit »

The ending was abrupt and incomplete. I don't think that Embon is a strong enough character for a sequel, but that is the only reason I can see for ending in the way that the author did. I thought that Embon's experience may give him some insight into his father life and provide a greeter understanding for him or that his wife would join the cause, or that he would die. Instead, a day later, I don't even really remember what happened because it just did without any warning or explanation.
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Post by Joy Phill »

I actually wanted a different ending for Embon's marital life. Not the loveless union he has to put up with. About his return to his mother's arm, it agrees with his calm personality as seen in the story.
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Post by Aan Granados »

I think the ending was abrupt, or not if there is going to be a sequel. It would be nice to know what happened to his wife.
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Post by Betty Gitonga »

The ending though abrupt, left me in anticipation of a sequel. I believe there is a lot more of the story to tell.
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Post by charlenecraig »

I also felt the ending very abrupt. Embon just seemed to decide all of a sudden to join the movement with no thought of consequences to family. This type of ending usually leads to a second book which could very easily come. Questions like: what happens to his family, where is the girl from school, what role does his father-in-law take? I feel this needs a longer story with stronger ending or a second book.
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Post by zulfiyya »

The ending felt like there was something missing, but I think if the author continued the story into the fight for independence, it would be a lot of war and action which I don't think is the main purpose of the story. I thought the main purpose of the story was to depict Korean traditional society and the mindset of Korean citizens from that time.
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Post by Krotzell »

sssns: I think the story of Embon is just beginning. I am guessing there will be a sequel. So many ends are left open, and Embon will be back to tie them. He still has to hear the continuation of his father’s story.

Has Bradley suggested this? I would definitely read a sequel because I found the ending very unsatisfying. History doesn't just end but considering the history is the background of this story at a relatively basic level - we weren't reading an in depth historical anaylsis of events in Korea - I would have expected to read some resolution of the "revolution."
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Post by Praise George-kayode »

Same here, It never felt like it was the ending. I was kinda upset that the author didnt give an ending to the story. maybe this is to keep us on suspense for the second part. Nevertheless I wont say anything
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Post by Kennedy NC »

I did not expect a different ending, however I must admit I was a bit surprised Embon went on ahead with the patriotic cause as I expected him to pull out at some point.
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Post by jaym_tan »

I felt the ending was too rushed, I wish he could have resolved the relationship with his wife, at least it should have ended on a good note.
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Post by Deval Sodha »

cristinaro wrote: 02 Jan 2021, 09:21 In tone with his hesitant behavior, Embon is ready to give up his fight for independence and return to his mother's welcoming arms. We might have expected him to be more willing to avenge his friends' tragic deaths. However, it took some persuasion from Mr. Koo to convince him to continue with their mission and remain loyal to their patriotic cause. Did you expect a different ending? Can you think of another way Embon's story could have finished?
Yes I feel the ending to be incomplete and I think Embon's patriotic side should have been showed to give the story a better end.
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Post by Obi Egbuniwe »

I do agree it felt abrupt and hasty, but I do not disagree with how it ended. I understand how dejected and hopeless the death of his comrades would make Embon feel, I just wish it was a bit more fleshed out.
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