Lena — Chapter 24 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
Chapter 24, titled "23. Lena," shifts the narrative to Lena as she makes a long-dreaded phone call. Taking a deep breath, she dials a landline number, uncertain whether it is still in service. A young boy answers, and Lena identifies herself as Christine's mother. The boy, Austin, reveals that he is Christine's twelve-year-old son and that his mother is at the store buying eggs for pancake night. Lena learns that Christine dislikes cooking and that the two live in New Hampshire, where they belong to a hiking club working through the state's four-thousand-foot peaks.
During the conversation, Lena reflects on how long she has avoided simply apologizing. She thinks about the elaborate theories and justifications she has built over the years, and contrasts them with the straightforward act of saying "I'm sorry." She draws a parallel to animal migrations—loggerhead turtles swimming thousands of miles and bar-headed geese crossing the Himalayas—wondering why she, a woman living in relative comfort, could not manage a few simple words.
Austin tells Lena that his mother loves the outdoors and cannot stand being inside for long. Lena is moved by this detail, and her voice cracks as she tries to steady herself. When Christine returns, Austin announces that her mother is on the phone. Lena waits, her mind racing, and prepares to tell Christine that she is sorry and that Christine is a better mother than she ever was. She also hears a gentle inner voice—a kind of self-mothering—that speaks her name without judgment. When Christine finally says hello, Lena asks if they can talk.
Key Events
- Lena dials Christine's landline and is surprised when a boy answers.
- Austin identifies himself as Christine's son and explains that his mother is at the store buying eggs for pancake night.
- Lena learns that Christine hates cooking and that they live in New Hampshire.
- Austin mentions the Hiking Buddies NH 48 club, and Lena is deeply moved by the image of Christine as an outdoors enthusiast.
- Lena reflects on her long avoidance of apology, comparing herself to migratory animals that overcome great obstacles.
- Christine returns home, and Austin tells her that her mother is on the phone.
- Lena hears a gentle inner voice encouraging her, and she prepares to apologize and acknowledge Christine's parenting.
- Christine answers, and Lena asks if they can talk.
Character Development
This chapter is a pivotal moment for Lena. Throughout the novel, she has been defined by her regrets, her online life, and her complicated relationships. Here, she takes a concrete step toward reconciliation. The phone call itself is an act of courage, and her internal monologue reveals a new self-awareness. She acknowledges that she has never tried "the simplest path"—a direct apology—and she feels genuine remorse for how long it has taken her to reach out.
The inner voice that speaks to her—"Now, now, Lena"—represents a shift toward self-compassion. Instead of the harsh self-criticism that has likely plagued her, she experiences a gentleness that allows her to move forward. This is a significant development, as it suggests Lena is finally ready to forgive herself enough to ask for forgiveness from her daughter.
Austin serves as a bridge between Lena and Christine. His innocent, slightly sassy conversation gives Lena a glimpse into Christine's life—her dislike of cooking, her love of hiking, her role as a mother. Through Austin, Lena sees that Christine has built a life that is different from her own, and she recognizes Christine's strengths. This recognition is part of Lena's growth: she is able to see her daughter as a capable, independent person rather than as an extension of her own failures.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Reconciliation and apology are the central themes of this chapter. Lena's decision to call and her preparation to say "I'm sorry" represent a long-overdue attempt to heal a fractured relationship. The chapter emphasizes that reconciliation requires vulnerability and a willingness to set aside pride.
The simplest path is a motif that Lena explicitly contemplates. She contrasts her years of avoidance and intellectualizing with the straightforward act of apologizing. The animal migration imagery—loggerhead turtles and bar-headed geese—symbolizes the extraordinary effort that Lena has avoided making. These animals endure incredible journeys, yet Lena could not bring herself to say two simple words. This contrast underscores the theme of self-imposed obstacles.
The grandchild as a bridge is another motif. Austin's presence allows Lena to connect with Christine indirectly, and his conversation humanizes Christine in a way that Lena had not previously allowed. The boy's innocence and openness create a space for Lena to feel hope and tenderness.
Self-compassion emerges through the gentle inner voice that speaks to Lena. This voice, which she describes as a form of self-mothering, suggests that Lena is learning to treat herself with kindness. This is a new development, as her earlier self-talk was likely harsh and critical.
Passage of time and regret are woven throughout. Lena reflects on how long she has waited, and her regret feels "unendurable" at moments. The chapter acknowledges that time does not automatically heal wounds; it often deepens them if left unaddressed.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is a turning point in the novel. It marks the moment when Lena finally acts on her desire for reconciliation, moving from passive regret to active outreach. The phone call is a culmination of her emotional journey, and it sets the stage for the conversation that will likely define the rest of the story. The chapter also deepens our understanding of Lena's character, showing her capacity for self-reflection and change. By introducing Austin, the chapter expands the family dynamic and gives Lena a tangible connection to the next generation. The themes of apology, self-compassion, and the courage to reach out are central to the novel's emotional arc, and this chapter brings them to the forefront.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Lena compare herself to migratory animals in this chapter?
Lena reflects on the extraordinary journeys of loggerhead turtles and bar-headed geese, which overcome immense physical challenges to reach their destinations. She uses these examples to highlight her own failure to take a simple, direct action—apologizing to Christine. The comparison underscores her realization that she has avoided the easiest path, while animals endure great hardship to fulfill their instincts. It also emphasizes the theme of self-imposed obstacles and the regret that comes from inaction.
2. How does Austin's conversation with Lena reveal Christine's character?
Austin tells Lena that Christine hates cooking and that they often order takeout, which suggests that Christine is not a traditional homemaker. More significantly, he mentions that they are in the Hiking Buddies NH 48 club, hiking all the four-thousand-foot peaks in New Hampshire. This reveals Christine's love of the outdoors and her active lifestyle. Lena is moved by this detail, as it shows Christine has built a life centered on adventure and connection with nature. Austin's description also implies that Christine is a devoted mother who spends time with her son, which supports Lena's later thought that Christine is a better mother than she was.
3. What does the inner voice that Lena hears represent, and how does it affect her actions?
The inner voice—"Now, now, Lena"—speaks to her with gentleness and without judgment. Lena describes it as a form of self-mothering, a compassionate internal presence that encourages her to breathe and proceed. This voice represents a shift in Lena's self-perception, allowing her to move beyond self-criticism and toward self-compassion. It gives her the strength to stay on the phone and prepare to apologize, rather than hanging up or retreating into old patterns. The voice is a key element of her character development, signaling that she is ready to face her daughter with honesty and vulnerability.
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