Book Review - The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny

Tantalizing word games in The Madness of Crowds present moral and ethical questions. Professor Abigail Robinson was invited to the village of Three Pines by Chancellor Colette Roberge to present her paper that was both logical and terrifying. Post-pandemic she was presenting a most controversial solution to the province as both merciful and reasonable. Because it was between Christmas and New Years, at a small university, in a small and seldom used auditorium, no one, including the Chancellor, expected that anyone would come. But they did. People had to be turned away on a freezing snowfilled night. Before seeing the surging crowd, Chief Inspector Gamache had no idea why he was being asked to lead this protection duty. Something that seemed unimportant. He had seen the videos on-line about previous talks the professor had given, so understood the emotion surrounding the Professor and her claims. What had seemed simple turned into a dangerous fiasco, with fireworks set off in the middle the crowd and shots fired at the Professor. What was also dangerous were the emotions that had stirred the crowd and infected the Sûreté officers under Chief Inspector Gamache.

Several nights later, at the Inn and Spa in Three Pines, most of the villagers were celebrating the coming New Year. Although uninvited, the Professor and her assistant arrived in the company of the Chancellor. Their presence created a stir off set by the presence of another: Haniya Daoud, also known as the Hero of the Sudan, was a celebrity visitor to the village. She had arrived to thank Myrna Landers, friend and neighbour in Three Pines for donating to her human rights campaign. This character seemed quite out of place in the story, but the horrors of her situation and the buried Canadian horrors paralleled each other. 

It was at this party that the brutal murder of Professor Robinson’s assistant Debbie Schneider occurred. Was her murder a mistaken identity or was she targeted? Robinson and Schneider had be friends as adolescents, but had reunited in adulthood. What was in their past that had Gamache and his whole team going down many rabbit holes? And how was Dr. Vincent Gilbert, better known in Three Pines as the Asshole Saint, involved? Or was he the murderer? What ethical questions did the Sûreté officers deal with, especially Jean-Guy Beauvoir? Gamache, his father-in-law, still had visions of the nursing homes he had attended in the worst of the pandemic. Even Chancellor Roberge had her own darkness ~ could she be the murderer?

This beautiful, puzzling read has kept me captivated for this past two weeks. I’ve had to stop myself reading just to live the rest of my life. One more book for my shelf that is beginning to overflow!

”How closely the two perspectives existed, coexisted, he thought. 

Side by side. The border between heaven and hell a sliver. 

Murder and mercy. Kindness and cruelty. 

And how very difficult it was, sometimes, to tell them apart. 

Or to know on which side of the border you stood.”

~ Louise Penny, The Madness of Crowds

Title: The Madness of Crowds

Author: Louise Penny

Copyright: 2021

Publisher: Three Pines, Inc.

Type: Novel

Format: Mystery Fiction

ISBN - 9781250145260 (hard cover)

ISBN - 9781250836557 (international, sold outside the U.S., subject to rights availability)

ISBN - 9781250145284 (ebook)

LCCN - 2021015666

Chapter Two, Episode Fifteen - Morning Conversation - Situationally Theirs

Review, Revision, Edit and Update

Reading Morning Ethics aloud this morning, it sounded flat. So I asked one question: what's missing? Sounds, aromas...So what was missing? Setting the scene before diving into dialogue. Because I 'know' the characters and the kitchen, my tendency is to assume that my readers can read my mind! Consequently I reworked the opening of this episode, along with revision throughout the episode.

Morning Conversation

Morals and ethics. That was the discussion over tea and coffee that morning. The sunny kitchen was warm, cake and muffins just out of the oven, tea kettle whistling. Martha Haverstock-Digby set out their tea things while Elizabeth - or Cook as most called her - poured boiling water in the pot.“Orange pekoe or Earl Grey, Martha?” “Orange pekoe as usual, dear.” The two old friends had tried to solve many of the world’s problems that morning, as they had many mornings. And some of their own, but they were too mundane to spend much time on. Their morning visit was always sprinkled with laughter and then slowed to serious, and then they laughed again. Martha was serious when Elizabeth brought up the subject again. “But you know, Elizabeth, sometimes I get the two of them confused, so I’ve looked them up. Adjusting her glasses, Martha read from her old blue dictionary:  Ethics are ‘moral principles that guide a person’s behaviour' and morals are: ‘lessons, especially those regarding what is right or prudent.' When I read those, it all made sense. I can think of one or two people who never learned about either of them.”  She chuckled. Elizabeth smiled. “Let’s change the subject, Martha. What about something for the Storyteller? I think that almost everyone at Beaufort has written something. Even your grandchildren, Martha! Those were such sweet letters.” 

“Well, maybe it’s time for us to do something different. I’ve had a chance to review some of the stories and I’ve hired most of the people here. Well, except for James and you, and I guess Samuel. And I think we all have learned many lessons. I don’t know about you but I’m still learning. It seems that morally we’re fairly stable too. What do you think, Elizabeth?”

“I think that while we all need morals and ethics, as a topic for morning coffee it’s on the boring side. Unless we gossip about someone’s lack of them. That can get pretty lack lustre too. But I will say, Martha, that none of us are born with either morals or ethical behaviour. The first time I made a cake like this one, it was not very tasty.” Elizabeth finished her coffee and ate the last of her muffin.

“Well, Elizabeth your cakes are delicious so I guess you’ve learned your cake making lessons. But you’re right. None of us started out knowing about anything we’re good at now. But what does any of this have to do with our offerings to the Storyteller.”

“Do you want more tea, Martha or should I rinse out the pot?” Martha held out her cup. “Just half a cup please, dear. Can I take a muffin or two home to James?” 

“Of course. I've set aside a couple already. As to what morals and ethics have to do with our little writings for the Storyteller, I really don’t know, Martha. Except maybe, that each little writing, showed our behaviour at whatever ages we were. Just by taking on the weekly stories for our writer, could show a certain ethic. Even the children were at least moral, doing what was right, although they have probably never heard the words ‘ethics’ or ‘morals’.” 

“Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, 

but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.”

~ Anne Frank

Within ~ 1

Understanding my new relationship with life and limb has brought me to a halt. So I have delved into philosophy, a discipline I have been interested in since first I learned there was such a thing. In the context of just over fifty years as a Registered nurse in various health care systems, I had most often had written guidance. Standards of practice. Policies and procedures for nursing duties. Policies and procedures for fire safety, security, interdisciplinary communications.. and on and on. Here at home, try as I might, there are no identical binders or computer programs for the specifics of my life. (Don’t worry, I’m not devaluing my time by such a search.). There are, however, three concepts that provide context for me to move forward. Autonomy, morality, ethics ~ three qualities that have proved useful and help me to steer the little ship I call ‘me’. There is a fourth multidimensional quality to bring into this retirement mode. One that can lend a lot of sparkle to dry as dust sounding philosophical principles: Fun. Enjoyment. Curiosity. Creativity.  I’ve read and done many things that are ‘dry as dust’. As boring as watching grass grow. But if they are are injected with regular doses of F.E.C.C. life becomes fruitful and a very good place to be. 

Autonomy: *To gain autonomous practice, nurses must be competent and have the  courage to take charge in situations where they are responsible. This translates this into my personal and writing life with the last words ‘where they are responsible.’ In work life, the responsibilities are shared and often assigned according to competencies. Autonomy at home provides greater depth of meaning to being responsible for maintaining home, health and finances. Autonomy, whether with family, friends or the broader community, if bandied about selfishly just will not support an enjoyable retirement. Strengthening previously established relationships and establishing new relationships becomes an exciting and worthy goal. Most importantly, I watched and learned from my grandparents, extended family members, friends, colleagues and communities at large with which I have shared my life.

Morality :  *Looking up the definition of autonomy in an on-line dictionary, I found this phrase: “(in Kantian moral philosophy) the capacity of an agent to act in accordance with objective morality rather than under the influence of desires.” Further brief research this morning gleaned this article from *The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, where they published a treatise entitled Kant’s Moral Philosophy that outlines not only autonomy but the Duty and Respect for Moral Law. Again, I return to my family, friends, colleagues and community regarding morality having witnessed exemplary moral behaviour, and sometimes a ‘good bad example or two’ in the mix. No books, binders or dissertations necessary.

Ethics:  Back to an online *dictionary I went. I learned that ethics and morals are often used interchangeably with a fine distinction between the two.  Paraphrased and as per the online Merriam-Webster Dictionary, morals may describe one’s particular values regarding right and wrong while ethics can be broadly related to questions of correct behaviour within a relatively narrow area of activity. Once more, daily interactions with all the many others informs my beliefs, my approaches and my attitudes.

For today, the fun, the enjoyment in today has been baking a loaf of bread, researching with curiosity definitions, and writing this piece. I have a new book to read, along with a few other books. Creating breakfast  - and eating it - is a always a joy for me. There will be more after this posting. I have no specific plans except to go outside in the warm sunshine. 

“Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right.”

~ Isaac Azimov, Foundation

* From The Meaning of Autonomy in Nursing Practice - 

        article in Journal of Clinical Nursing 19(15-16):2226-34 - July 2009

        Source:  PubMed

*en.oxforddictionaries.com - Definition of Autonomy

*merriam-webster.com - Definition of morality with information about the distinction between ethics and morals.

*Kant’s Moral Philosophy - First published Mon Feb 23,2004; substantive revision Thu Jul 7, 2016;   <https://plato.stanford.edu>

Three Comedians

Ethically and morally, writing about something humble, philosophical and possibly esoteric was to be tonight's blog post for this month's theme of Kindness.

Kindness, in some very distorted manner, may have been involved, but of that I'm not certain. I really never know what will come up when I have a predetermined beginning to my blog post. Today, listening to George Carlin, Louis C.K. and Trevor Noah would seem to be a far cry from such an endeavour. Each one of them has their own brand of humour. Often much too vulgar for my daily fare, however on this journey from Vancouver to Regina I became a captive audience. Not forced, but I decided to listen to their presentations with openness within the confines of the van we are travelling in as I write. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about these three.  Many of us of my generation at least know of George Carlin who began with an extremely acerbic and vulgar presentation. Like many of us he has toned down his vocabulary while maintaining his comedic performances. Louis C.K. and Trevor Noah were both new to me. I’ve often found that many comedians or humorists seem to ridicule people, places or things. Trevor Noah, a quiet voiced man, while still humorous, was not as driven and energetic as George Carlin or Louis C.K. I especially enjoyed Louis C.K., the comedian with his extremely colourful language. If I had been at home alone I would have turned off the radio, ejected the CD and in general turned up my nose at his audacity. However, I listened to him tell the truth about parenting, about our many petty ‘First World problems’ and dating after age 40. An example? If we fight with our three year old, it is not the child’s fault but our fault. The three comedians, while verbally vulgar in varying degrees, took the human condition and turned it rapidly on its ear. They each made me laugh out loud. (I was embarrassed because of the vulgarity, but kept quiet about that) Are they unethical and immoral because of the charming turns of phrases that they each use? I’m certain some would say a resounding ‘Yes!’ Some would also suggest that the use of such brittle turns of phrase is the sign of a poor vocabulary. This jury is still out on the unethical, immoral question, however each had a remarkable vocabulary that included a lot of ‘swears’, while driving home their many ethical and moralistic arguments. Laughing out loud with my son and my grandson felt very good.

“Irony is just honesty with the volume cranked up.”

~ George Saunders

Lost in Thought

Lost in Thought

Lost in thought, I was sitting, on this first day of spring, at the feet of the cenotaph on the grounds of the parliament buildings. In the warm sun, with daffoldils blooming I was thinking of my grandfather. My grandfather insisted on braving any weather, just as he had every November even after his stroke, to get to the cenotaph. Saluting smartly, the weight of the years would fall away. He did not see the brass and granite, nor hear the call of the winter birds. He saw himself standing at the ready, knee deep in mud. The weight he carried on that long ago day was a rain drenched woollen coat, heavy rifle and ammunition. That sky was gray painted with bright orange bursts of machine gun fire. With each final 21 gun salute he came back to where he stood and he was once more aging flesh and blood. The weight of his many years settled on him once more even as he felt the soldiers battle dress that he thought had gone. Grandfather told me all these things and more.

Then he told me that the battle had new weapons and new ammunition now. Weapons and ammunition foreign to the old soldier. Grandfather didn’t understand them and really didn’t want to. What he knew was that the fight was the same, no matter the ammunition, no matter the weapons. It was always about territory and power. Who holds the gold. Always with the belief that who holds that gold makes the rules. Whether new rules are ethical or moral no one ever knew til after battle was done. Then he would shake his grizzled head slowly and sadly.

On those days, the old soldier sat back down in his wheelchair. In that wheelchair, no matter how comfortable and safe, he was in the hands of the person that pushed it. He was at the mercy of his caretakers, nurses and doctors. Much of his personal power was taken from him by infirmity. Most of the time he was willing to accept this balance of power. Fortunately, his family and his caregivers were all pretty good folks and he appreciated their respect and care. 

My grandfathers life and service would be forgotten by many, but not by this proud grandson.

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you 

want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

~ Abraham Lincoln

Turning the Clay

Ethics shape decisions

As much as a potter shapes

the clay on her wheel

while it spins on the base

Morals wash against the clay

Smooth jagged edges of cirumstance

While formless clay becomes a vessel

To last a day or a life-time

Ethics shape our lives

Fired and dried

Glazed with experience

Held up by our mentors and teachers.

Ethics shape decisions

As much as a potter shapes

The clay on his wheel

While it spins….

“Every moment is a moment of decision, and every moment 

turns us inexorably in the directon of the rest of our lives.”

~ Mary Balogh, Simply Perfect

Bravery Is

Bravery is not planned. 

When taking a sudden stand, 

bravery is quiet ~

holding beliefs condemned by others

Bravery is determined

Determined to speak to what is right.

Bravery has no schedule to keep

Sudden stepping forward for ethics and morals

Bravery is humble.

A deed done because it was necessary.

“Being brave is only standing up when you’re afraid.”

~ Jon Steele,  The Watchers

Leadership Review

Where does leadership begin?

Who demonstrates leadership?

To learn the things 

a leader should do, 
there are

books

courses

classes

seminars

workshops

degrees

There may be a 

designated

elected

appointed leader within 

    family

    community group

    workplace

    service organization

however, it is at the grassroots 

of these groups of humanity that 

leadership is demonstrated.

Leadership has

humility

ethics

morality and

a core belief in oneself and 

ones personal values.

Leadership lives

outside of an office with 

no title

no name 

no credentials

Learning about being a leader begins in 
the roots of childhood, and 

anywhere along the journey we each travel.
The life we lead will show a direction for someone........

“A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision

comes from passion, not position.”

~ John Maxwell