This is a really interesting question. It’s hard, because I don’t think there have been that many in the books I’ve re-read in the past few years, mostly I have the same view on the characters as I always have. I think the only shift I have noticed is which characters I identify with. A lot of books I read when I was younger, I identified with the kids in the story. I could feel my way into their minds and viewpoints. Now I still can, but my perspective has now stretched to encompass the parents as well. I can only think of one specific example of this, and it’s To Kill A Mockingbird. I re-read it in the past couple of years, and all of a sudden I was more focused on Atticus Finch and the challenges and decisions he had to make. What he must have felt. And a lot of admiration for the intelligent way in which he communicated complex issues to his kids, how he had them “overhear” messages he needed them to hear but knew wouldn’t land if he just told them directly – he is admirable as a father and role model. One thing that stuck out to me, though, that I hadn’t even noticed when I first read it, was that there’s no mention of the kids’ mother. Literally, nothing. Where is she? Did she die? Run off? Is she on a very, very long holiday? This bothered me when I re-read it, deeply.
So that’s my only specific example this week. What about you guys? Did you come up with more? Which ones stuck out to you? Did anyone have a similar response?
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I love that book!
So do I. I remembered it having a huge impact when I read it as a kid, but then when I re-read it I was just as affected, only I noticed all kinds of different details in it. Brilliant book.