Chapter 23 Summary and Analysis – “22. The Summer Day”

⚠️ Spoiler Notice

This page contains detailed plot points and character developments from Chapter 23 of Swan Song. Read at your own risk if you have not yet finished the chapter.

Summary

Chapter 23 contrasts two romantic arcs. Sharon and Romeo’s relationship deepens; she brings him to the Field and Oar Club, where Busy Ambrose makes condescending remarks about Romeo’s ferry job. Romeo later whispers that he can ensure Busy misses her ferry. Separately, Coco and Lamont are in a secret relationship. Lamont takes Coco to meet his mother, Glynnie, who warmly accepts her. Meanwhile, Kacy finally reads Coco’s screenplay Rosebush and is deeply moved. Coco’s personal life stabilizes—she pays off debt, buys new clothes, and learns Nantucket’s rhythms. The Richardsons’ social standing rises as they secure letters for club membership. The chapter ends with Coco giving her script to Bull, who begins reading immediately.

Key Events

Sharon invites Romeo to lunch at the Field and Oar Club; Busy Ambrose approaches their table and implies Romeo is beneath Sharon.
Romeo whispers to Sharon that he can prevent Busy from catching the ferry on September 2.
Kacy and Coco relax on the private beach at Triple Eight; Coco asks about her screenplay.
Kacy reads Rosebush that evening and calls Coco to praise it as “brilliant.”
Coco’s daily life improves: she discovers early shopping times, pays off her Visa, and treats herself to new clothes and a professional haircut.
Leslee reveals the Richardsons have secured nominating and seconding letters for Field and Oar membership, including one from Busy Ambrose.
Leslee criticizes the McManns’ upcoming Preppy Handbook party as a copy of her own themed event.
Lamont takes Coco to meet his mother, Glynnie, who shows Coco photos and speaks warmly of her son.
Coco gives her completed screenplay Rosebush to Bull Richardson; he begins reading it.

Character Development

Sharon shows vulnerability by bringing Romeo into her exclusive social circle and stands up to Busy, even if only internally.
Romeo remains unflappable in the face of class snobbery; his playful revenge plan reveals a protective side.
Coco transforms from outsider to someone who belongs: she pays off debt, builds routines, and takes creative risks by sharing her screenplay.
Kacy fulfills a promise to read the script, showing her reliability, and her emotional reaction proves her deepening friendship with Coco.
Lamont introduces Coco to his mother, a major step that demonstrates his seriousness and trust.
Bull reacts with curiosity rather than dismissal when Coco offers her script; his immediate reading signals his interest.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Love in Later Life: Sharon reflects that falling in love in her fifties is better than in her twenties because she and Romeo are fully present and free from early-life pressures.
Class and Social Climbing: The Field and Oar Club setting highlights how the old-money elite police boundaries; Busy’s condescension underscores the struggle for acceptance.
Secrecy vs. Openness: Coco and Lamont’s hidden relationship contrasts with Sharon and Romeo’s public growing romance; both couples face obstacles.
Creative Ambition: Coco’s screenplay is her ticket out of a difficult past; giving it to Bull represents a major act of self-belief.
Overcoming a Difficult Childhood: Coco’s stories about her mother throwing steaks into the pond illustrate how she survived and now thrives.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter advances several key relationships. Sharon and Romeo’s bond is tested by club snobbery, while Coco takes two risks: meeting Lamont’s mother and submitting her screenplay. The Richardsons’ social climb accelerates, and Coco’s personal growth culminates in a moment of creative courage. The chapter also plants seeds for potential conflict (Busy’s ferry revenge, the screenplay’s fate) that will unfold later.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Sharon feel that love is better in her fifties?
Sharon explains that she and Romeo have already raised children and built careers, so they can enjoy the present without the distractions of first-time homeownership or career establishment.
How does Busy Ambrose treat Romeo, and how does Romeo respond?
Busy compares him to a short-order cook she dated as a teenager and asks if he works at the ferry. Romeo calmly acknowledges his job and later whispers to Sharon that he can ensure Busy misses her ferry, implying a playful but pointed payback.
What finally prompts Coco to share her screenplay with Bull?
After Kacy reads and praises Rosebush, Coco prints the script and brings it to Bull’s office. She believes this is her purpose for coming to Nantucket, and Bull’s willingness to read it validates her gamble.