I finished reading Ch.4 yesterday and I think it is really strange to put a chapter like this in a book. Maybe the author’s purpose is to make more connection between Will’s present and his past? Women abuse is kind of a sad topic.
By the way, I think I might go to the public library today to get the book that I ordered. It’s The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan (it’s related to the Percy Jackson series).
Fendi's English Paradise 
I’ve borrowed Medicine River from the library. I’ll comment on this post again once I’ve read till Chapter Four.
Percy Jackson! I haven’t read it, but I know it’s a modern twist of Greek mythology. Reflections from leisure reading would be nice, too.
Thanks for creating the blogs, Fendi!
I’ve just finished reading Chapter Four. I don’t know for sure why King writes this chapter either. You’re right, however, in pointing out the theme in this chapter: violence against women. So far, the sufferings of women in this book have been evoking the reader’s sympathy: Rose, Louise, January and Mrs. Oswald. I’m surprised that no one intervenes to help January and Mrs. Oswald despite obvious signs of domestic abuse; not even Harlen, whose specialty is helping other people (31). Nevertheless, January’s fake letter and Mrs. Oswald’s return to her “old cheery self” show that both victims want to hide the truth and make up good stories about their lives (49). Like Rose’s pride that stops her from returning to the reserve and Louise’s front that makes everyone thinks she is okay, shame seems to cause January and Mrs. Oswald to hide their sufferings from the rest of the community (9, 30).