Releasing 10 Chapter 109: Never Had and Never Would: Lizzie – Summary & Analysis
Spoiler Notice
This page contains detailed plot points from Chapter 109 of Releasing 10 (The Boys of Tommen) by Chloe Walsh. If you have not yet read the chapter, you may wish to avoid this content.
Summary
Lizzie lies in darkness beside her sister Caoimhe and asks if they will die there. Caoimhe promises to protect Lizzie, but when asked about herself, she falls silent. Lizzie confesses she hates the bedroom and wants to leave; Caoimhe agrees and says she wants their father. Lizzie refuses, saying she only wants Hugh. The narrative then shifts to the aftermath of Caoimhe’s funeral. The Gardaí quickly rule her death a suicide and close the investigation. Lizzie’s account of events is dismissed because Mark’s story seems credible while hers does not, and because Gerard Gibson refuses to help her. Lizzie concludes that no one will ever believe her, so she sees no point in trying, caring, or even breathing.
Key Events
- Lizzie, in the dark, asks Caoimhe if they are going to die in that room.
- Caoimhe assures Lizzie she will protect her, but does not answer when asked about her own fate.
- Lizzie expresses hatred for the bedroom and a desire to leave, wanting only Hugh.
- After Caoimhe’s funeral, the Gardaí and coroner conclude the cause of death was suicide.
- The investigation is closed quickly because Mark’s version of events is accepted and Lizzie’s is not.
- Lizzie reflects that Gerard Gibson refused to help her.
- Lizzie decides that she will never be believed and stops caring.
Character Development
Lizzie:
This chapter reveals the traumatic origin of Lizzie’s deep-seated isolation and self-destructive mindset. Her memory of the night with Caoimhe is fragmented, but the pain of being disbelieved is vivid. She shifts from a vulnerable child seeking protection to a disillusioned young woman who has given up on being heard.
Caoimhe:
Though present only in Lizzie’s memory, Caoimhe is portrayed as a protector who ultimately could not save herself. Her silence when asked about her own safety hints at her own despair.
Mark & Gerard Gibson:
These off-page characters represent the forces that discredit Lizzie. Mark is believed because his story aligns with the official narrative; Gerard Gibson’s refusal to help leaves Lizzie without an advocate.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
The Failure of Institutions:
The Gardaí and coroner fail to investigate properly, and the legal system sides with the more “credible” adult, Mark, over the traumatised child, Lizzie.
Memory vs. Reality:
Lizzie admits she struggles to distinguish dreams from reality, yet her certainty about being disbelieved is absolute. This tension questions whose testimony is valued.
Isolation and Despair:
The repeated refrain “they never had and never would” underscores Lizzie’s belief that she is utterly alone. The final nihilistic thoughts (“why bother breathing”) show her emotional collapse.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 109 is a turning point for understanding Lizzie’s character arc. It provides the backstory for her self-destructive behaviour and her refusal to trust others. The chapter establishes the core trauma that drives her interactions in the present timeline, making subsequent events in the novel more resonant.
Study Questions & Answers
Q1: Why does Lizzie say she “want[s] Hugh” instead of her father?
A1: Hugh is likely a figure of safety and love for Lizzie, contrasting with her father, whom Caoimhe wants. Lizzie’s rejection of their father suggests she either blames him or feels abandoned by him.
Q2: What prevents Lizzie’s account of the night from being believed?
A2: The Gardaí and coroner accept Mark’s story because he appears sane and credible, while Lizzie is labelled a “sick child.” Additionally, Gerard Gibson refuses to support her, so she has no one to corroborate her version.
Q3: How does the line “They never had and never would” function in the chapter?
A3: It summarises Lizzie’s lifelong experience of being disbelieved and ignored. The absolute phrasing shows that she has given up hope of ever being heard, which justifies her later apathy and self-harm.