Chapter 70 Summary: Thanksgiving
⚠️ 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
In Chapter 70, “Thanksgiving,” Reha describes how her family celebrates the American holiday in a way that blends their Indian heritage with the occasion. Instead of the typical mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, stuffing, or cranberry sauce, the family gathers with Indian friends and shares a feast of spicy pulao, tart cranberry chutney, samosas, stuffed parathas, and aloo chole. The centerpiece is a Tandoori Turkey, a dish Reha has never tasted.
What makes this gathering different from other parties is that all the dads work together to prepare the turkey. They marinate it overnight in yogurt and spices, rub it with more spices until it turns deep red, and then bake it in the oven, basting it frequently. After hours, the turkey is brought out like a prize, brown and red and glistening. Sunny, a friend, tells Reha it tastes good and slyly asks if she wants to try it. Reha smiles and declines, choosing instead to enjoy her tandoori paneer.
Throughout the celebration, Reha misses Amma’s presence and her delicious carrot halwa, which is laden with ghee and plump raisins. Yet she finds comfort in being in a house packed with people, voices raised in laughter, and everyone eating together. She feels thankful and, for the first time in a while, allows herself to hope. Later, the family brings some tempting morsels to Amma, but she is too nauseous to touch them.
Key Events
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The family celebrates Thanksgiving with Indian friends, sharing a fusion meal that includes pulao, chutney, samosas, parathas, aloo chole, and Tandoori Turkey.
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All the dads collaborate to prepare the turkey, which is marinated overnight and baked with frequent basting until it is brown and red.
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Sunny offers Reha a taste of the turkey, but she politely declines and enjoys tandoori paneer instead.
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Reha reflects on missing Amma’s presence and her carrot halwa, a traditional sweet she associates with her mother.
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Despite the absence, Reha feels thankful for the lively gathering and allows herself to hope.
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The family brings food to Amma, but she is too nauseous to eat.
Character Development
Reha shows emotional growth in this chapter. She is able to participate in a joyful celebration even while carrying the weight of her mother’s illness. Her decision to decline the turkey, despite Sunny’s playful encouragement, reflects her comfort in her own food preferences and cultural identity. More importantly, she allows herself to hope, which is a significant shift from earlier chapters where she may have felt overwhelmed by fear or sadness. Her act of bringing morsels to Amma demonstrates her love and care, even though Amma cannot eat them.
Sunny appears as a supportive friend who tries to include Reha in the experience of tasting the turkey. His sly question suggests a playful dynamic, but he does not pressure her. He represents the community that surrounds Reha during this difficult time.
Amma is present only through memory and absence. Her illness is highlighted by her inability to eat the food that is brought to her, underscoring the physical toll of her condition and the emotional distance it creates between her and the celebration.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Cultural Fusion – The Thanksgiving meal is a blend of Indian and American traditions. The Tandoori Turkey is a symbol of this fusion, taking a classic American holiday dish and preparing it with Indian spices and techniques. The absence of traditional American sides and the presence of Indian dishes show how the family adapts the holiday to their own cultural context.
Food as Love – Food is a central motif in this chapter. The dads’ collaborative effort to prepare the turkey is an act of care and community. Reha’s memory of Amma’s carrot halwa connects food to maternal love. The act of bringing morsels to Amma, even though she cannot eat them, is an expression of love and hope.
Gratitude and Hope – Reha explicitly states she is thankful, and she allows herself to hope. This is a turning point in her emotional journey. The chapter shows that even in the midst of illness, moments of joy and connection can foster hope.
Illness and Absence – Amma’s absence from the celebration is a constant undercurrent. Her nausea prevents her from participating in the meal, highlighting the reality of her illness and the way it intrudes on family life. The contrast between the lively gathering and Amma’s inability to eat underscores the emotional weight Reha carries.
Community and Family Bonds – The gathering is not just a family event but a communal one, with friends acting as extended family. The dads working together symbolizes shared responsibility and support. This community becomes a source of strength for Reha.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is a pivotal moment in Reha’s emotional arc. It shows her ability to find joy and gratitude despite her mother’s illness, and it marks a shift toward hope. The cultural fusion of the Thanksgiving meal reflects the family’s identity and resilience. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of community support during difficult times. By contrasting the festive atmosphere with Amma’s inability to eat, the chapter poignantly illustrates the tension between celebration and sorrow, and it sets the stage for the challenges that may lie ahead.
Study Questions and Answers
1. How does the Thanksgiving celebration in this chapter reflect the family’s cultural identity?
The celebration blends Indian and American traditions. The family does not serve typical American dishes like mashed potatoes or pumpkin pie; instead, they share Indian foods such as pulao, samosas, and aloo chole. The Tandoori Turkey is a fusion dish that combines an American holiday centerpiece with Indian spices and cooking methods. This shows that the family honors their heritage while participating in an American holiday, creating a unique cultural expression.
2. What does Reha’s decision to decline the turkey and enjoy tandoori paneer reveal about her character?
Reha’s choice to stick with a dish she knows and loves, rather than trying the turkey, shows her comfort in her own preferences and cultural background. It also indicates a sense of self-assurance, as she is able to politely decline Sunny’s offer without feeling pressured. This moment highlights her groundedness and her ability to make choices that feel right for her, even in a social setting.
3. Why does Reha allow herself to hope in this chapter, and what does this hope signify?
Reha allows herself to hope because she is surrounded by laughter, community, and the warmth of a shared meal. The positive atmosphere gives her a temporary reprieve from the worry about her mother’s illness. This hope signifies a shift in her emotional state, suggesting that she is beginning to find moments of optimism even in difficult circumstances. It also reflects the resilience that will be important as the story continues.