Good Bad Girl Chapter 36: Edith Summary & Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Edith is startled by church bells ringing in St. Paul’s. She had returned to the church only to collect something she left behind and to wait out the rain. Her dog Dickens sits beside her. After the bells stop, Edith looks around the empty church and reflects that many beautiful old churches are abandoned—"vacant castles of faith" that could serve the community better. She gathers herself and leaves, dumping the magnifying‑glass statue in the first street bin she passes. She then walks across the cobbles toward the alleyway. Using keys the girl gave her, she finds the door slightly ajar. She climbs the many steps to the attic slowly, letting Dickens run ahead. At the top, she discovers the attic is empty: all the papercuts have been removed from the walls except one. Ladybug and her belongings are gone. Edith checks under the bed and finds her old pink leather suitcase still there; she opens it and is relieved to see her belongings inside. She eats a custard cream and talks to Dickens, saying they cannot go back to the care home and she does not want to die in jail—she is too old and too tired. Dickens barks in agreement, and Edith decides it is time to go home.

Key Events

Church bells make Edith jump; she is resting in St. Paul’s.
She discards the magnifying‑glass statue in a street bin.
She uses the keys from “the girl” to enter the alleyway building.
She climbs to the attic and finds it empty except for one remaining papercut.
Ladybug and her possessions are gone.
Edith retrieves her pink leather suitcase from under the bed.
She eats a custard cream and decides she cannot return to the care home or risk prison.
She resolves to go home.

Character Development

Edith: In this chapter, Edith is pragmatic and weary. She reflects on abandoned churches, suggesting a longing for purpose and community. Her decision to dispose of the magnifying‑glass statue indicates a desire to erase evidence. Facing an empty attic, she shows resourcefulness by checking for her suitcase. Her declaration that she is “too old and too tired” for more trouble reveals vulnerability; she chooses self‑preservation over surrender to authorities or the care home system.
Dickens: The dog serves as a loyal companion and sounding board for Edith’s thoughts. His bark of agreement reinforces her decision to go home.
Ladybug: Though not present, Ladybug’s absence drives the chapter’s tension. The removal of the papercuts suggests a deliberate clearing of evidence, and Edith’s relief at finding her suitcase implies a lingering connection.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Abandoned churches – The empty church symbolizes lost faith and community, mirroring Edith’s own isolation and the breakdown of conventional support systems.
Papercuts – The one remaining papercut on the wall (along with all others removed) acts as a motif for traces of the past that cannot be fully erased, and for the delicate, often violent mark a person leaves behind.
The pink leather suitcase – Represents Edith’s past and her identity. Its presence under the bed suggests she still clings to a physical anchor, even as other signs of Ladybug vanish.
Custard creams – A small, homely comfort that contrasts with the high stakes of Edith’s situation, highlighting her ordinary humanity.
“Going home” – The final line signals a turn away from flight and toward a place of belonging, though what “home” means is left ambiguous.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 36 marks a turning point for Edith. The empty attic forces her to confront the consequences of her actions—Ladybug’s disappearance and the removal of evidence create a new uncertainty. Her decision to dispose of the statue and her refusal to return to the care home or face jail show she is willing to take risks to maintain her freedom. The chapter deepens the mystery: who removed the papercuts, and where is Ladybug? Edith’s choice to go “home” suggests a final act of agency, setting up the closing chapters of the novel.

Study Questions

Why does Edith throw away the magnifying‑glass statue?
Answer: She wants to eliminate any evidence linking her to the events at the church. The statue could be a clue or symbol of her investigation, and discarding it shows her determination to cover her tracks.
What does the empty attic reveal about Edith’s situation?
Answer: The removal of the papercuts and Ladybug’s belongings indicates that someone else has taken control of the space—possibly to hide or destroy evidence. Edith’s relief at finding her suitcase underscores her fear of losing her own history.
How does Edith’s decision to “go home” reflect her character arc?
Answer: Earlier in the novel, Edith is driven by guilt, curiosity, and a desire to uncover the truth. Here, she prioritizes survival and comfort, accepting that she cannot undo the past. Going home signifies a retreat from the investigation and a surrender to her own limitations.

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