Chapter 29 Summary: “Tang” — Key Events 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
The chapter opens with Greta and Elspeth walking home from Fereshteh's birthday celebration at a Korean BBQ and karaoke bar. Greta, drunk on peach soju, has regressed into speaking German, which Elspeth—being monolingual—cannot understand. Greta teases Elspeth about her Scottishness, inventing absurd stereotypes, and flirts with her as they cross the streets of Auckland. She kisses Elspeth publicly, and they are spotted by a man Greta once dated. Greta explains that she nearly went home with him but was put off by his admission that he didn't like music.
When they reach Greta's building, they find her nephew Tang sitting outside, visibly upset. Tang explains he came to see V, but V is away. Inside, Tang reveals that he broke up with his girlfriend Odette that morning. He then confesses that he is in love with a boy named Plamen Gajevic, whom he met on a history trip to Austria and Hungary. Tang describes his compulsive behaviors: he needs to write in black pen or something bad will happen, and he must drink a can of Pepsi Max every day by 12:30. He hasn't told his father Casper about any of this, fearing Casper will blame himself. Greta offers to help Tang talk to Casper, and Elspeth suggests Tang stay in V's room. Tang also mentions an argument with his sister Freya, who had mocked him for never having a girlfriend. As the night winds down, Greta tells Elspeth she loves her—a declaration that surprises even herself.
Key Events
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Greta and Elspeth walk home from karaoke; Greta is drunk and flirts with Elspeth.
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Greta kisses Elspeth on the street, and they are seen by a man Greta once dated.
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They find Tang waiting outside Greta's building, upset.
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Tang reveals he broke up with Odette and is in love with Plamen Gajevic.
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Tang describes his compulsive rituals involving black pens and Pepsi Max.
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Tang admits he hasn't told his father Casper about his feelings or his anxiety.
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Greta offers to help Tang talk to Casper, and Elspeth suggests Tang stay in V's room.
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Greta tells Elspeth she loves her.
Character Development
Greta shows a more vulnerable side in this chapter. Her drunkenness and playful flirting with Elspeth reveal her affection, but her love declaration at the end is a significant step for a character who admits she is