Posted by Michael Bailey on May 02, 2006 at 01:19:06:
Hey Greg,
I just finished re-reading SMOKER and had a question regarding the relationship between Atticus and Pugh as characters. One of the main themes that I got out of the book was redemption. Atticus seems to be at a point in his life where he is trying to regain what he had lost over the previous two novels both personally and professionally. Pugh seems to be trying to make up for what he sees as the sins of the past, both personally and professionally. Was this paralel intentional? I know the answer is probably yes, but it struck me at the end of the book that Pugh had made some measure of peace with himself (which is why he was talking about staying alive for both the trial and the eventual appeals) and Atticus finally called Bridgett after getting his confidence back as a PSA and making some peace with Rubin's memory outside of their former apartment.
I guess that's not so much a question but a request for comfirmation.
I was also curious if it was Erika's friendship with Bridgett that caused her change of tune regarding Natalie? In FINDER she told Atticus that Nat was better for him and in SMOKER Erika can't stand Nat. I thought this was an interesting change for the character and thought that it caused by her getting closer to Bridgett.
I appreciate your time and attention.
P.S. Any chance you'll ever make it to DragonCon in Atlanta?