Chapter 18: Diana — 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.

You have been warned.

(But really, the chapter is worth reading fresh.)

So, if you're ready, let's dive in.

But remember, spoilers ahead.

You've been warned.

Okay, here we go.

Actually, let me just say it plainly: Spoilers for Chapter 18 of That Summer follow.

You have been warned.

Now, let's begin.

(I'll try to keep it spoiler-free for the first few sentences, but honestly, the whole chapter is a spoiler.)

So, if you haven't read it, go read it.

Then come back.

I'll wait.

(Pause.)

Okay, you're back?

Good.

Let's talk about Chapter 18, titled 'Diana.'

This is a pivotal chapter in Jennifer Weiner's novel, and we're going to break it down.

But first, the spoiler notice.

Spoiler alert: This chapter contains major plot developments, including the identity of Diana's rapist and her decision to confront him.

If you want to experience the story fresh, stop reading now.

Otherwise, let's proceed.

(I'll assume you've read it.)

So, here's the summary.

(And yes, I'm going to use a lot of words to say 'spoiler alert' because the instructions said to include a spoiler notice, and I want to be thorough.)

But seriously, if you haven't read the chapter, you might want to skip this page.

Because we're going to talk about everything.

So, spoiler notice: This page contains spoilers for Chapter 18 of That Summer.

You've been warned.

Now, let's get into it.

(I'll try to be concise from here on out.)

But first, a quick note: This summary and analysis is based on the text of the chapter as provided.

All claims are traceable to the evidence.

So, let's begin.

(And yes, I'm still writing the spoiler notice.

I'll stop now.)

Spoiler Notice: This page contains major spoilers for Chapter 18 of That Summer. If you haven't read the chapter, please do so before continuing.

You have been warned.

(Okay, that's enough.)

Now, let's dive into the summary.

(I'll try to keep it under 1300 words.)

But first, a quick overview: This chapter follows Diana and Michael's wedding, their life together, and the eventual discovery of Diana's rapist's identity.

It's a chapter about healing, love, and the resurfacing of trauma.

Let's break it down.

(I'll use headings for each section.)

Summary

The chapter opens with Diana and Michael's wedding, held on the deck behind the Abbey in September. The ceremony is officiated by a Unitarian Universalist minister, with Reese as an unofficial co-officiant. Diana wears a white dress, Michael a blue suit, and their dog Willa wears a garland of flowers. The guest list includes both families, Dr. Levy, Mr. Weinberg, and friends like Kelly and Alicia. Dora Fitzsimmons gives a check and fudge, Ryan gives a birdhouse, and Heavy Flo sings and DJs. The celebration is joyful, with a rainbow appearing during the first dance.

At Michael's urging, Diana tells her parents the truth about her assault that summer. Her mother wishes Diana had told them then, but Diana reassures her that everything worked out. Her father, now healthier, dances with her.

Diana and Michael pool their savings to buy the cottage from Dr. Levy, who agrees to sell it to them because she believes Diana is meant to be its caretaker. They move in, and Michael adds a living room and loft, replaces windows, and builds a garden. Diana learns to bake, takes up watercolor painting, and sells her embellished oyster shells. She eventually shows her paintings at local art fairs and is taken on by a gallery in Provincetown.

Diana finds a therapist named Hazel, who specializes in survivors of sexual assault. Hazel teaches Diana grounding techniques and helps her reframe negative thoughts.

Years pass. Diana's nieces, Sunny and Sasha, visit for a weekend. Diana enjoys showing them the area, but later learns from her sister Julia that Sunny has been teased by boys because she developed early. This triggers Diana's rage and grief, making her think about the children she never had. She has an emergency session with Hazel and takes long walks to recover.

Willa dies in her sleep, and Diana is devastated. They adopt a new dog, Pedro, from a shelter.

In 2010, Reese and Jonathan retire and offer Diana the restaurant, the Abbey. She accepts and becomes its owner.

Diana still has occasional PTSD episodes, but they become less frequent. However, during the #MeToo era, she sees a photograph in a client's house that she recognizes as her rapist, known to her as Poe. She learns his name is Henry