Wanderlust (First Novel)

“Wanderlust”

Discussion Director (Laiza D. Sahagun)
Questions:

1.    Was the decision of Audrey right when she decided to left her old aged grandfather and her sister, then exploring the world?

The decision of Audrey leaving her grandfather and her sister to explore the world was right. First and foremost, it was her passion to wander around the world because she inherited it from her father. We think there’s nothing wrong when she followed her desire. Aside from that, it would make her sister and her grandfather as well, independent. They were depending too much on Audrey. Also, so that she could live her life on her own.

2.    What will you do to the boyfriend of Annie when he was about to kiss Audrey? Will you tell Annie on what he did?

In the first place, we really hated the boyfriend of Annie for he was too arrogant. On the other hand, we’re grateful for him because he made Audrey realized about the things she wanted to do with her life. About what Henry did to Audrey when he was about to kiss her, we would be thankful for him because it was the starting point that he made Audrey thought that she really wanted to wander around the world.

And for the follow up question, our answer is No. We won’t tell it to Annie because it would cause another trouble between Audrey and Annie. And we know that Audrey does not like to have conflict with her sister.

3.    If you were Audrey, will you do the same- choosing the orphans than Charlie- the man of your life?

If we were Audrey, we know we can’t do the same thing she in choosing the orphans than Charlie. We think we would really choose Charlie. Aside from the fact that we love Charles, the truth is Harbin is very dangerous place to stay in. In addition, staying in the orphans would delay us in going home. It would destroy all the plans in wandering the world. On the other hand, we really admired Audrey when she stayed there. She’s really remarkable!

4.    What was the purpose of Audrey in following Charlie even though she had a baby to take care of?

The purpose of Audrey was to see Charlie because she did not saw him for a long time; she missed him that much that’s why she followed Charles despite the fact that she had a baby to take care of. And aside from that, she loved him so much.

5.    For you, will you marry a man you don’t love as what Charlotte did?

Just like Charlotte, she married Charles because it would be an advantage on her part. She could hide in public about her true personality – being a lesbian, trough marrying him. So if we were her we would also do the same thing because we can get benefits from it although we don’t love him. It won’t cause any harm in us anyway, instead a good one. 


Connector - Sherwin Tipon

Everyone knows about Alexander Graham Bell who invented phones. But you know what? He never made a call to his family because his wife and daughter were deaf. That’s life, live for others and be a blessing to others.

In the novel Wanderlust, Audrey Driscoll

In reality, this is truly happening that there are some people who prefer to sacrifice, to feel the pain, to care for others just to ensure that they provide happiness. They much prefer the happiness of others than of their own. Just like Alexander Graham Bell who invented phones that never have made a call to his family because of the learning impairment of her wife and daughter, we know that phones connect us with our loved ones even in a far distance. Phones are such a great help for us but Alexander failed to use his invention for his own happiness and that is to have a call with his family. Another person, Audrey Driscoll of the Novel Wanderlust showed to us the life of being a blessing to others. She cared for her sister and aged grandfather.

For Audrey Driscoll and the men and women whose lives touch hers, Wanderlust is the inescapable element. Born at a time when women were expected to stay close to home and fulfill traditional roles, Audrey is compelled to follow the thread of events that will destroy the gratification of the past and share the world.

Artistic Adventurer - Bernadette Panes

Unending Love

Everytime I watch each shining, twinkling star

In the blue expanse above,

I think of you

And when morning comes

That I found you asleep in my arms,

I’m happy to have you

It is you whom I want

To spend the rest of my life with,

So may our love not wander somewhere and leave

Let me say I Love You

For I find no other words sweeter than this

I Love You, I Love You and, forever it is.

Character Captain - Rojoice Elatico

Audrey Driscoll 

• Beautiful– tall young woman dark blue eyes, small hips and delicate carved shoulders and reddish hair 
• Responsible – she had been running the Driscoll mansion for 14 years; she had been 11 years old when her parents had died and she stood as a guardian of her only sister; she nursed the old Mrs. Miller, the housekeeper, when she died of influenza; and she always took care of her grandfather. 
• Workaholic/hard-working – she was very busy running the mansion to perfection; she had a good hand with the servants, checking over the books and keeping the house well-stocked. 
• Adventurous – she liked photography and adventure books and tales of distant, far-off places; went to lectures given by absurd, remote scholars and often stood out at land’s end. She loved wandering. 
• Strong – she stands for what she thinks is right like when she chose to refuse Charles’ marriage proposal and stayed with the orphans in Harbin. She pursued to go to Europe and travel in several places/countries despite of her grandfather’s disapproval. 
• Independent – she always took care of herself and her sister since their parents died. She even managed to travel alone without any fear. 
• Generous/kind – she had a big heart to those who are in deep need; like when she took care of the orphans in Harbin and never left them until she was certain that they would all be safe. She never forsook Ling Hwei during the delivery of her baby and when Ling Hwei died, she even brought Mai Li (Ling Hwei’s daughter) with her, adopted her and treated her as her own child. 
• Loving – she was a loving granddaughter to the extent that she refused Charles’ marriage proposal so that she could still fully take care of her Grampa and the mansion. She was a loving sister to Anabelle, she took care of her and did everything to make her happy. She was a good lover to Charles. She had gone with him in all his wanderings and waited for him with all her patience and hope. She was a good friend to Vi and James and never left them for as long as she can like when she stayed beside Vi when James faced a great trouble in fighting a battle.

Charles Parker Scott

• Handsome – he had shiny black hair that was so dark, a smooth olive complexion, and dark brown eyes. He was long and lanky and aristocratic. He looked Spanish or French or Italian; he had long powerful legs, graceful arms and broad shoulders. In short, he was incredibly attractive.

• Adventurous – he was a travel writer and explorer. He traveled all over the world ten months of the year.

• Kind/generous – he helped Audrey looking for solution to secure the orphans in Harbin by finding churches wherein they could leave the orphans but unfortunately, no one was willing to shoulder their burdens.

• Loving – he loved Audrey so much to the extent that he agreed to come with her to Harbin and understood her decision to stay despite of his insisting effort to get her out of that place.

• Patient – he patiently waited for Audrey and still loved her very dearly despite of how many times she had turned him down. He understood her and respected whatever she decided.

• Courageous – he went to Algeria to report on the sinking of the fleet in Oran and he was a war correspondent. He was not afraid of the danger the bullets and bombs may bring. He’d been even hit in the buttocks but it’s worth the pain.

• Independent – when he was 18, his parents died and took care of his brother who died of tuberculosis at 14. He began travelling after that and started writing his book at age 21.

Violet Hawthorne

• Humble – when she introduced herself and her husband to Audrey, she did not mention that “James” was actually “The Lord” James Hawthorne and she was “Lady” Violet, a marchioness by birth. There was nothing haughty or snobbish in her eyes as she smiled at Audrey.

• Hospitable – when she invited Audrey to London where she and her family lived, she even gave a party for her. She introduced Audrey to their closest friends and Audrey fell in love with their children and was in awe of their house/home.

• Interrogator – she had a frightful habit of asking too many question. In England, everyone thought her terribly rude because of that.

• Supportive – she forced Audrey to get out and walk frequently and seventeen days after the baby was due. She was always at Audrey’s side during Audrey’s pregnancy and never left her alone.

• Optimistic – even though Charles broke the news that James’ plane had been crushed, she insisted that she still felt as though James were alive somewhere and she wouldn’t give up hope until someone could tell her certainly that her husband had not survived his mission.

James Hawthorne

• Handsome – he had shiny black hair, broad shoulders and impeccable, aristocratic hands. Audrey had to fight herself not to stare at him, but he was so good looking that one found oneself mesmerized by him.
• Humble – they led an indolent life of luxury and yet they weren’t tiresome or snobbish.
• Faithful – he had been married to Violet and he remained faithful to her and he loved her with all of his heart for six years.
• Brave – he’s been bombing out of the Germans for the more than six months to fight for England. He got his plane crushed and even lost his arm. But still, he managed to survive.

Edward Driscoll

• Handsome – he was beautifully groomed man, once tall and still erect with showy white hair, a full board and handsome, broad shoulder.
• Proud/strong – Audrey respected him so much and all the servants in the mansion followed his command.
• Authoritative – his words inside the mansion were like a law that everyone should follow. Their maids feared him that they often jumped as he spoke and only Audrey seemed impervious to the gruffness of his manner.
• Loving – he was a loving grandfather especially to Audrey that he still welcomed her back and accepted Mai Li.

Anabelle Driscoll

• Beautiful – she had the frail blond look of an angel, the look of total fragility. She’s story and more beautiful than Audrey. She has huge blue eyes, delicate features and a halo of blond hair.
• Dependent – she can’t do anything for herself without her sister. She just depended on Audrey and she even put her responsibilities on Audrey. When Audrey left, she thought that everything was dumped on her and she couldn’t even manage to do her tasks as a wife and a future mother.
• Irresponsible – she did not do her obligation as a wife that’s why Harcourt left her. She couldn’t even cook for herself. She even parked both of her children in Audrey’s room so that she would not need to watch them every time.
• Mean – she was spoiled unpleasant girl, she wasted her life on weak men and strong drink. She didn’t care in her marriage would be destroyed and her children’s lives would be probably ruined.
• Selfish – she only thought of herself she didn’t care if anyone was hurt. She never had a gratitude for her sister who stood as her guardian since their parents died. She only looked after her own happiness.

General Chang

• Helpful – he had helped Audrey in assisting Hwei to deliver her baby. He had saved the baby who was named as Mai Li.
• Trustful – he had his word when he told Audrey that he was harmless and he even proved that when he spoke to his men and gave his weapons to Audrey.

General Rommel

• Faithful – he adored his wife so very dearly and it was seen on the way he introduced his wife’s photo to Audrey and Charles. His eyes lit up every time he mentioned his beloved wife, Lucy.
• Straightforward – Audrey was shocked by how easy he was to talk to when they posed as American. Journalists and interviewed him at his hotel. They were startled by how direct the man was. He had of course not said anything direct about what his plans for the Afrika Koops were but he had been very chatty about everything else they asked him about.
• Intelligent- he used a canny trick to confuse anyone selling info. to their enemies. It was a brilliant trick for him to have used, all observers were suitably impressed. The British had a profound respect for him.
• Brave – he fought side by side with his men, in tanks and on foot, as well as in the air.
• Thoughtful – Audrey liked Rommel from the moment they’d met him. They discovered that behind his ferocious façade was a soft spot in his heart especially for his loving wife. 
  
  
  

  Vocabulary Enricher - Irish Patlingrao
  Inexorable – cannot be influenced by persuasion or entreaty
  Ebony – hard, heavy, dark wood of certain tropical trees

  Penchant – a strong liking

  Encumber – to hold back the motion or action of; hinder

  Throttle – the valve, or its control lever or pedal that regulates the amount of the fuel vapor entering an engine

   

  Passage Picker - Vanessa Vinzon 

  “Anger wouldn’t solve anything”
  

  I choose this passage because I can reflect from this line. In the words, it is personally meaningful. Based on many personal experiences I have especially those that involve with problems and conflicts, you can say to yourself that this line is really true. A person cannot think any solution to the problems he have if he will let anger conquers his emotion, right? For me, it’s really a big yes. So, do not let the anger conquers your emotions when experiencing conflicts and problems in life. Anyway, they are just challenges in life.
  

  “The endless fittings had been worth the trouble”

  It is one of the passages in the story that describes the effort of Audrey – the main character of the story – in organizing the wedding of her younger sister Anabelle especially on assisting her in fitting and choosing the wedding gown. It shows the love, care, and support of Audrey for her sister. She was really an incredible sister. This line also shows the success of her effort in helping Anabelle for the wedding gown. And based on the story, you can see the fulfillment in Audrey’s eyes after seeing her sister wearing the gown for her wedding.
  

  “The wanderlust that brought you back to me”

  This line tells one of the important events in the story. Well, it can be seen at the last page of the book and second to the last line of the story. It was said by Charles to Audrey when they met again. For me, it can be considered a line that tells a pivotal event, because despite of many hindrances, problems, and conflicts that tried to hinder their relationship and the chances and times that they had to spend together, still there is a solution and a reason as well for them to be together again and that is Wanderlust.
  

  “She had nothing but time on her hands”

  I choose this passage because it describes one of the meaningful events in the story. The line refers to Audrey when she is together with Charles and wandering around the world. She was not thinking the problems that wait for her when she would finally go home. Instead, she enjoyed every moment that she had with Charles. She did not mind how sad it would be when the time comes that they should separate with each other, she was just enjoying the present moment, because she knew someday that it won’t happen again.
  

  “The entire world was like a giant apple that she wanted to bite and bite”

  I found this passage on the story as an interesting one. It is a nice comparison between the world and a giant apple. It is also a significant line on the story because it describes how Audrey felt about wandering the entire world. It tells how eager she is to travel the different countries and places.
  

  “His voice was a caress in the golden light from the rising sun”

  It is one of the most beautifully said passages in the story. I felt an amusement with this line when use by Audrey to describe Charles’ voice. I got attracted with this passage that’s why I choose it. Aside from that, it was also personally meaningful because through this line I read from the story, I wonder if I could find such a man described in this line. I was really imagining how beautiful his voice is.
  

  “Success is like a pleasant surprise”

    I really like this line that’s why I choose it, because it describes about success in which most of us wanted to have it, right? We are happy when we succeed in one thing that we wanted to have, as well as when we got surprises. And as a college student, I am truly caught by this passage. For I know that someday, if I succeed with my course, I will definitely feel that success as a big pleasant surprise because despite of the hindrances, problems, struggles, and sacrifices still I made it, to be a successful woman. On the other hand, this passage serves as an inspiration for me to get that pleasant surprise.
  

  “The secret of a successful life is enjoying each moment”

    I pick up this passage because, for me it is informative. It gives us tip on how to have a successful life. Despite of the crisis that our nation is facing, we still have to enjoy each moment of our lives, because we can’t tell how long we can live in this planet. Although we don’t have enough money, we don’t have plenty of clothes still, we can have a successful life. Besides, we can’t bring those materials if we die, right? But the happiness, joy, and pleasure we had together with our family and friends would be unforgettable and would always be remarkable as we continue our journey.
  

  “The battlefield was a miserable place”

    A passage that describes one of the setting in the story, obviously it is a battlefield. I really felt pity for Charles and for other them as well when he described their location. As I saw on the movies, it was really a miserable place. You can witness a bloody war, wounded people, and danger especially to yourself. How dangerous it would be when you’re in a battlefield. You can’t even be secured, if you will survive or die when you are in the place where the war between the two groups is happening.

  “Promises dance in her head like little elves”

        This line was used by Audrey in the story when Charles gave her promises that are very important and pleasing for her. The passage amused me, for it is really an attractive one. Audrey compared the promises to little elves. I feel Audrey amazing because of the comparison she made. We all know how pleasing and appealing to us the little elves are, right? With that, I can say that Charles’ promises for Audrey were really pleasing and appealing to her.