Chapter 5: Joe

⚠️ 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 on the evening of September 14. Rusty is home alone; Bea is at a school principals’ meeting. He decides to visit Joe, Bea’s father, at the VFW in Mirror. Joe is an 84-year-old former alcoholic and Vietnam tunnel rat who lives alone despite terminal lung cancer. Rusty wants to find Aaron, who has been missing for three days. Joe is initially unhelpful, stating that Aaron deserves privacy. When Rusty mentions Aaron is likely with Mae Potter, Joe reacts with concern, calling her a dangerous influence. Joe admits he knew Aaron might go up north but claims not to know his location. Rusty leaves, expressing sympathy to another patron about his dog. Outside, Rusty receives a text from Aaron to Bea, his father, and Rusty, saying he is on his way home and will return tomorrow.

Key Events

Rusty goes to the VFW to find Joe.
Joe’s background is revealed: migrant farmworker parents, foster care, all-state wrestler, Vietnam tunnel rat, union leader, alcoholism, and current sobriety.
Joe is resistant to helping locate Aaron, arguing Aaron is an adult.
Joe warns that Mae Potter is “trouble” for Aaron.
Joe discusses his health and complaints about doctors.
Rusty receives a text from Aaron promising to return tomorrow.

Character Development

Rusty: Shows his role as a mediator between Bea and her father, and his genuine concern for Aaron. He is observant and respectful toward the VFW regulars.
Joe: Presented as a complex figure: cantankerous, opinionated, but a devoted grandfather. His past as a violent alcoholic and war veteran shapes his present demeanor. He is resistant to authority but vulnerable with his illness.
Bea (through Rusty’s memories): Has a fraught relationship with Joe, filled with rage and pity. Her kindness is contrasted with her anger.
Aaron: Absent but mentioned; his relationship with Mae is central to Joe’s concern.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Family dysfunction: The generational trauma of alcoholism and abuse is evident in Joe’s past and his current tension with Bea.
War trauma: Joe’s experiences as a tunnel rat have made him anti-military and shaped his worldview.
Rural working-class life: The VFW setting illustrates a community of farmers and veterans who value privacy and self-reliance.
Communication barriers: Joe treats the phone as a one-way instrument; letters and calls are ignored. The chapter ends with a crucial text from Aaron.
Redemption and contradiction: Joe’s simultaneous heroism as a grandfather and villainy as an abuser.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens the understanding of Joe, a secondary character who will likely play a role in the unfolding mystery. It also shows Rusty’s efforts to maintain harmony in his blended family. The mention of Mae Potter foreshadows future conflict. Aaron’s return text sets up the next chapter.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Joe refuse to tell Rusty where Aaron is?
Joe believes Aaron is an adult and should have privacy. He resents the conditions of Aaron’s probation and does not want to be an informant. His own history of rebellion makes him sympathetic to Aaron’s need for independence.
What does Joe’s reaction to Mae Potter reveal about his priorities?
Despite his tough exterior, Joe is deeply worried about Mae’s influence on Aaron. He describes her as having a powerful hold on Aaron, showing that Joe cares about his grandson’s well-being even though he outwardly dismisses concerns.
How does the chapter use the VFW setting to develop themes?
The VFW is a place of male camaraderie and unspoken rules. It represents the rural, conservative world Joe inhabits. The setting highlights Joe’s contradictions: he hates the military but frequents a veterans’ post. It also underscores the community’s reliance on face-to-face interaction and suspicion of outside authority.