Chapter 25: Other Greta — Summary and 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

Greta and Ell arrive at Casper's house in Epsom around five o'clock on a rainy evening. The house is a white weatherboard with hydrangeas by the steps, a purchase Casper funded by working for two years in a corporate job for Thony's husband, Giuseppe, a role that Greta's brother V mockingly called selling his soul to capitalist overlords. Casper greets them frantically, explaining that his wife—also named Greta—is stuck in Mission Bay after a cyclist collided with her while she tried to wave for help, leaving her with a hurt hand and unable to back her car out of a tight spot.

Ell volunteers to stay with Freya, who is home sick from school, while Casper and Greta drive to help. During the drive, Casper opens up about his struggles with his seventeen-year-old son Tang, who has become more private and independent. Greta tells Casper that V plans to go to Argentina to see Xabi, news Casper hadn't heard. She also asks about Hiria Hine Te Huia, a name mentioned by women in Wellington who said Greta resembled her; Casper reveals she was their great-grandmother.

They retrieve the other Greta, who is in good spirits despite her injury, and return home. Ell has cooked dinner—a roast chicken with vegetables and a salad—which Casper had completely forgotten about. Tang arrives home in his school uniform, clearly upset, and eventually breaks down crying at the table, apologizing for taking his bad day out on Freya. Casper comforts him, and the family eats together. Freya recounts her school day, including a dramatic vomiting incident, and the other Greta jokes about the family's chaotic nature, while Ell shrugs it off.

Key Events

Greta and Ell arrive at Casper's house in Epsom, where Casper is panicked about his wife's car trouble and injury.
Ell agrees to stay with Freya, who is sick, while Casper and Greta drive to Mission Bay.
On the drive, Casper discusses his difficulties with Tang's growing independence and his guilt over his own teenage behavior.
Greta reveals V's plan to go to Argentina to see Xabi, and asks about Hiria Hine Te Huia, learning she was their great-grandmother.
The other Greta is rescued and they return home to find Ell has cooked dinner.
Tang arrives home upset, cries at the table, and apologizes for taking his bad day out on Freya.
The family shares a meal, with Freya recounting her school day and the other Greta joking about the family's chaos.

Character Development

Greta shows her protective side, squeezing Ell's wrist before leaving her with Freya and worrying about whether Ell will be overwhelmed. She also demonstrates curiosity about her family's past, pressing Casper for information about Hiria Hine Te Huia. Her narration reveals a mix of affection and exasperation toward her brother's parenting style.

Ell proves adaptable and unflappable, volunteering to stay with a sick child and later cooking dinner for the whole family. She handles Freya's probing questions and the family's eccentricities with calm humor, even suggesting Greta be renamed Ermyntrude. Her presence signals a deepening integration into the family.

Casper is portrayed as a caring but anxious parent. He explains his approach to giving Tang leeway based on trust, but admits he feels guilty about his own teenage rebellion. He comforts Tang without pressing for details, showing growth in his parenting.

Tang is visibly distressed, rubbing his eye and crying at the table. He apologizes for taking his bad day out on Freya, revealing vulnerability and a sense of responsibility, even as he remains closed off about what happened.

Freya is honest and unfiltered, describing her school day and her father's driving with a container for vomit. Her mood shifts from misery to engagement during dinner, highlighting her resilience.

The other Greta is warm and humorous, joking about the family's chaos and reassuring Ell that they are not always so dramatic. She also shows maternal care, hugging Freya and asking about her appetite.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Family secrets are central. Greta learns about her mother's other man and the existence of Hiria Hine Te Huia, suggesting hidden layers in the family's history. Casper's comment that everyone should be allowed secrets reinforces this theme.

Sibling bonds are evident in the easy rapport between Greta and Casper, who share memories of driving lessons and discuss V's troubles. Their conversation reveals a supportive, if teasing, relationship.

Parenting challenges are explored through Casper's struggles with Tang's independence and his guilt about his own past. He tries to balance trust and boundaries, while also managing Freya's curiosity and emotional needs.

Adolescent independence is embodied by Tang, who is seventeen and wants more privacy. Casper acknowledges that Tang has earned trust but still finds it hard to let go.

Identity and naming appear in the chapter's title and Ell's joke about renaming Greta Ermyntrude. The existence of two Gretas—sister and wife—creates confusion, and the family's use of