The final chapter includes a more polite and human version of Kris' father. He speaks gently and with what seems to be concern. He apologizes to Kris for the first time she can remember. "'I'm sorry to make you wait'" (Iversen 311). This symbolizes a new chapter in her father's life; one that probably started earlier without Kristen's knowledge. This chapter also wraps up with many facts involving the law and cleanup of the toxic land that was Rocky Flats. We learn that Tamara has a child. This child is a miracle that it seems brought Tamara and her husband closer. But not all is happy in the final chapter. Death is prevalent in this chapter just as it is in other chapters. The book closes with imagery of an approaching storm and wet granite gravestones. Dark imagery and a sense of gloom seem appropriate to conclude a true story of the suffering and hardships of those in and around Rocky Flats.
After finishing this book, I can honestly say that this book was difficult for me to get through. The story fell flat for me at some point. I guess it has a lot to do with the fact I do not like to read about something like this knowing that it is non-fiction. Full Body Burden shows me the different emotions I get depending on a books genre. Would I have enjoyed Parable of the Sower as much as I did if it were non-fiction? The fact Iversen's book is a story of REAL hardship and REAL struggle changes the reader's view dramatically. Overall, Full Body Burden was a moving book, but not something I would recommend to friends or family.
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