Visualize a world where a significant person in your life died due to their gruesome wish, where that special person suffered and became the victim of a cruel and mysterious murder. Was the murder itself swift or repugnant and brutal? Susie Salmon was the victim of a crime that should not be condoned. In the novel The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, Susie's past on earth influenced the people in her life because the past was all they had of her. Memories of or with Susie were precious; however, they were also feared by the one who killed Susie's future. Out of everyone presented in the novel, Susie's family thought about the past they shared with Susie by showing depressed feelings and actions towards Susie's death and the moments they shared together. Susie's sister, Lindsey, can't stop thinking about Susie. As she broke into Mr. Harvey's house, she thought of the times she and her brothers would chase Holiday, the times she and Susie would beg their father, at the dinner table, for more comic book reading, and other memories that stuck with her . to Lindsey. Susie said: "She couldn't stop the memories hitting her." (179). Since Susie is no longer with Lindsey, Lindsey thinks about Susie more and develops sadness as she thinks about the past. Lindsey becomes overwhelmed with memories and runs after Susie through the halls of Mr. Harvey's house, proving that she wants to be with her. Mr Salmon was also affected by Susie's death. On December 23, 1973, Susie's father smashes some miniature ships into bottles, which Susie often helped him with. He sees Susie's projected reflection in each piece of glass. Those memories led to further depression in Susie's death, and Mr. Salmon never stops thinking... middle of paper... Mr. Harvey was also affected by the past and Susie's death. The past, which includes the crime scene, was somehow unique in Mr. Harvey's mind and bothered him until death was brought upon him. Many people, including Susie's family and friends, treasured the moments with Susie. They were affected by his past which left broken hearts in its wake. Susie Salmon was a significant person in the lives of her family and friends. She cried, screamed and suffered in a situation like no other. She died at the hands of a selfish and horrible being. The cruel actions of the killer should never be forgiven and should never be committed again. Susie left her present and past for her loved ones to cherish. Even if the pain subsides, no one will be able to forget the 14-year-old girl: Susie “like the fish” Salmon. Works Cited The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold