Okay, so, the ending definitely had a lot of things that we all saw coming, but also quite a bit that I really never anticipated. Lola getting money out of a guy for sleeping with her – wha?? Yeah, she’s a rebel, but I don’t think I ever expected that out of her.

Oh, Oscar. Every time he went back to try to win Ybon I groaned. I kind of knew he’d never give up on her – no matter what the cost, the story set us up for that – but boy, it was still rough to see him be such a glutton for punishment. I was literally smacking my forehead while reading, like, Oscar, someone needs to physically shake you. And restrain you.

Also, I’m still vaguely fuzzy on the recurring symbols of the mongoose, the man with no face, etc. But I don’t think we’re supposed to be able to pin down concretely, exactly what they are and why they’re there. They seem to be family mythology and superstition that you just don’t wanna mess with. The kind of thing everybody avoids talking about, because they know it’s on a more powerful level than us mortals can comprehend. At least, that’s what I got out of it. They’re part and parcel of the whole fuku/zafa business. Way above our heads.

Lastly: I haven’t decided yet if I really feel bad for Yunior or not. Like, I do but I don’t. Yeah, he’s been conditioned, he can’t keep it in his pants, it’s just the way he is. But it’s funny how much he and Oscar are polar opposites. They both find a girl they love and Oscar goes hog-wild for her, but Yunior can’t even be faithful to Lola. It kind of made me mad. I was SO hoping Yunior and Lola would wind up together.