Conflict in Gilead...

... Up until this point in my book, there hasn't been much conflict to speak of. There has been a lot of wisdome, memories, and interesting insights on life... but no conflict. However, recently an issue has finally risen up and caused the story to be a little more interesting. As I have said many times, this book is about an older man dying of cancer who is writing a letter to his son. Then when he dies, the son can read the letter and take in some of the wisdome and advice his father had, as well as get to know his father better through his memories and life experiences. But something I have not spoken of is the fact that Mr. Ames married a much younger woman. But don't worry, this isn't one of those " trophy wife " scenerios. Mr. and Mrs. Ames truely love eachother, but her age is part of the conflict. The problem is that this the son of John's best friend has returned to town, after leaving his family and going off to who knows where, and he is now trying to weasel his way into the Ames family, and into the heart of Mrs. Ames. He is one of those people who you know has a slimy personality, but is just sly enough to act nice when they want to. But, because only Mr. Ames really knew him in his bad days, only he can see this man's plan unfolding. He describes it in the book as his greatest fear. He asks himself " What is it you fear most...?" and responds, " fear leaving my wife and child unknowingly in the sway of a man of extremely questionable character." (p. 140) This seems to be an area of great turmoil for John, and there is nothing he can do to stop it. I haven't quite finished the book yet, so I'll have to keep reading to find out what happens!!