Chapter 32 'Desert': Summary, Analysis, and Study Notes

⚠️ 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 Valdin reflecting that the film shoot in the desert near Salta, Argentina, is going better than he expected. He feels less out of place among his New Zealand colleagues when they're all equally out of their depth with Spanish. As the sun sets over red cliffs streaked with white, Emma joins him on a concrete ledge outside the lodge, offering beer and asking what's wrong. She initially assumes his mood relates to an incident in Queenstown, but Valdin clarifies it's something else entirely.

Valdin confesses that he visited his ex, Xabi, the day before production started. He explains that they used to live together and that he once believed they'd be together for life, but after Valdin had a nervous breakdown, Xabi moved to this remote plot of land in Argentina and they hadn't spoken since. Emma is surprised he didn't tell her, and Valdin admits he tends to share trivial details of his life while keeping difficult things to himself.

He describes the visit: he expected to find Xabi settled into a comfortable life that would give him closure, but instead found Xabi worried about a wonky wooden bowl he'd made, having bought Valdin's favourite flowers and gotten a haircut. The two confessed their love for each other. The complication is that Xabi is going through an adoption process for an eight-year-old boy. Valdin is torn—he wants to be with Xabi but has never considered becoming a step-parent and worries about disrupting a child who has already had a difficult start. He also raises practical concerns: he'd want his family nearby, he needs to work in an English-speaking country for his industry, and he's not sure he could live in Argentina.

Emma asks him what he actually wants, and Valdin admits he needs more time to figure things out. Emma offers to reschedule his flights and voiceover work so he can stay longer, telling him the job isn't more important than his life.

After dinner at the lodge, Valdin sneaks out to call Xabi. Their conversation is flirtatious and playful—they tease each other about what they're wearing, and Xabi gently mocks Valdin's attempts at phone seduction. Xabi mentions he's flying to Medellín, Colombia that weekend and invites Valdin to come along. Valdin accepts, saying he'll book flights that night. Xabi tells him not to worry if he changes his mind, but Valdin insists he won't. He ends the call, takes a moment to compose himself, and returns to the dinner table, trying to shift from lovesick to his usual media personality self.

Key Events

Valdin reveals to Emma that he visited his ex, Xabi, before the shoot began.
He explains the history: they lived together, he had a nervous breakdown, and Xabi moved to Argentina.
Valdin discloses that he and Xabi confessed their love, but Xabi is adopting an eight-year-old boy.
Emma offers to rearrange Valdin's flights and voiceover schedule so he can stay longer.
Valdin calls Xabi after dinner; they have a flirtatious conversation.
Xabi invites Valdin to join him in Medellín, Colombia that weekend.
Valdin agrees and commits to booking flights that night.

Character Development

Valdin shows a rare willingness to be vulnerable. He admits to Emma that he keeps difficult things to himself, and his confession about Xabi marks a shift toward opening up. His internal conflict is laid bare: he loves Xabi but is terrified of the responsibility of step-parenthood, worried about the child's stability, and uncertain about the practical logistics of living in Argentina. His decision to accept Xabi's invitation—despite his fears—shows a tentative step toward commitment rather than avoidance.

Emma emerges as a deeply supportive friend. She notices Valdin's mood, presses him gently to talk, and offers concrete help by rescheduling his work commitments. Her line that the job isn't more important than his life underscores her loyalty and her belief that Valdin's personal happiness matters.

Xabi, though seen only through Valdin's account and the phone call, comes across as warm, teasing, and equally uncertain. He's nervous about the adoption and wants Valdin nearby, but he's careful not to pressure him, explicitly telling Valdin he'll understand if he changes his mind.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Love vs. practicality: The central tension of the chapter. Valdin loves Xabi but weighs that love against the practical realities of step-parenthood, language barriers, career constraints, and geography. His question—how much does love really matter in this economy—captures the conflict between emotion and pragmatism.

Commitment and fear: Valdin's hesitation about the adoption reflects a deeper fear of commitment and of failing a child who needs stability. His worry that he might