Originally posted by sveta van gaal:
...I would have loved Kay to stay with Michael as she did by the end of the novel...
What occurs in the 'current day' segments of GFII went far beyond the end of the novel. Though Kay stayed with Michael upon his becoming Don Corleone, FFC (and Puzo) had to have considered how her feelings/emotions/frustrations would evolve as the years went on. Considering the Kay we knew in those earlier years, despite her love for him it makes complete sense that there was no way she would stay with Michael through the end of her days. After all, he did promise a 'completely legitimate' family and the day came when she knew he couldn't fulfill that promise.
Anyway...part of the effectiveness of the end of GFII is that Michael is truly alone.
Apple