Chapter 35 Summary & 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.

Summary

Early the next afternoon, Sebastian arrives at Claudia's townhouse. Clover meets him in the hallway, explaining that Claudia has been sleeping most of the day and that a doctor visited that morning. She mentions that his family is coming down for the weekend, and they briefly discuss his father's reluctance to see his mother in this condition. Sebastian expresses frustration, but Clover gently reminds him that everyone processes grief differently.

The conversation turns awkward as Clover apologizes for leaving abruptly after their recent outings—the drinks and the concert. She tells Sebastian she wants to keep things professional for now, because her focus needs to be on Claudia. Sebastian accepts this, though he seems disappointed.

Then Sebastian asks about Hugo. He overheard Clover talking to Claudia about someone named Hugo and wants to know who he is. Clover, feeling the weight of her earlier dishonesty, decides to be truthful. She explains that Hugo was Claudia's lover in France, and that Claudia even considered staying there instead of returning to marry Sebastian's grandfather. Sebastian is shocked—he knew his grandfather was unfaithful, but never expected this of his grandmother. Clover goes on to reveal that Hugo immigrated to the United States in the late 1950s and might still be living in Lincolnville, Maine. She admits that her neighbor Sylvie, an art historian, helped find the address.

Clover then proposes driving to Maine to find Hugo, hoping to arrange a phone call between him and Claudia if possible. Sebastian is initially wary, worried about opening a can of worms with his family. Clover backs down, calling the idea stupid, but Sebastian asks for time to think. As Clover leaves, she starts googling rental car rates, determined to go anyway. But Sebastian catches up to her and says he thinks she should do it—that Claudia deserves peace and happiness. He insists on coming with her, and Clover feels a flutter of excitement.

Key Events

Sebastian arrives at Claudia's townhouse and learns she's been sleeping; a doctor visited.
Clover apologizes for leaving abruptly and suggests they keep things professional.
Sebastian asks about Hugo; Clover reveals Hugo was Claudia's lover in France.
Clover explains that Hugo may still live in Lincolnville, Maine, and that Sylvie found the address.
Clover proposes driving to Maine to find Hugo; Sebastian is skeptical at first.
After reflection, Sebastian agrees, saying Claudia deserves peace, and insists on accompanying Clover.

Character Development

This chapter marks a turning point for Clover. She has often avoided difficult conversations, but here she chooses honesty over evasion. When Sebastian asks about Hugo, she could have deflected, but she looks him in the eye and tells the truth—a lesson she learned from her grandfather. Her decision to keep things professional with Sebastian shows her commitment to Claudia, even at the cost of her own budding romance.

Sebastian also grows. He moves from shock and skepticism to understanding and support. His initial wariness about the plan reflects his concern for his family, but his final decision to join Clover shows his willingness to take a risk for his grandmother's happiness. He also demonstrates empathy by recognizing that Claudia's past explains her unhappy marriage.

Claudia's character is deepened indirectly through the revelations about Hugo. She is no longer just a dying woman but someone with a rich, complicated history—a lost love and a lifelong regret.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Regret: Claudia's regret about not telling Hugo she loved him drives the entire chapter. Clover's mission is to help her find closure.
Secrets: The secret of Hugo is revealed, showing how hidden truths can shape lives and relationships.
Honesty: Clover's decision to be honest with Sebastian contrasts with her earlier pattern of dishonesty.
Risk-taking: Driving to Maine is a leap into the unknown, both for Clover and for Sebastian.
Closure: The chapter sets up the possibility of Claudia finding peace before she dies.
Family dynamics: Sebastian's frustration with his father and his protective feelings toward his grandmother highlight family tensions.
Collaboration: Clover and Sebastian work together, and Sylvie's help is also crucial.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 35 is pivotal because it transforms Clover's passive role as a death doula into an active quest. She moves from simply listening to Claudia's stories to trying to change the outcome of her final days. The chapter also deepens the relationship between Clover and Sebastian, shifting from romantic tension to a shared mission. It reveals a major secret about Claudia's past, adding emotional weight to her impending death. Finally, it sets up the road trip to Maine, which will likely be a central event in the rest of the novel.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Clover decide to tell Sebastian the truth about Hugo, and how does this reflect her character growth?

Clover tells Sebastian the truth because she recognizes her pattern of dishonesty and wants to remedy it. She also doesn't want him to think her desire to pause their relationship is due to someone else. This shows her growing commitment to honesty, a value she learned from her grandfather, and her willingness to face uncomfortable conversations.

2. How does Sebastian's reaction to the news about Hugo evolve throughout the chapter?

Initially, Sebastian is shocked and skeptical—he never expected his grandmother to have had a lover. He worries about the implications for his family. But after thinking it over, he becomes supportive, recognizing that Claudia deserves peace and that finding Hugo might help her. His evolution shows his capacity for empathy and his willingness to take risks for someone he loves.

3. What does Clover's plan to drive to Maine reveal about her priorities and her relationship with Claudia?

Clover's plan shows that she is deeply invested in Claudia's emotional well-being, even beyond her professional duties. She is willing to drive seven hours and face uncertainty to give Claudia a chance at closure. This reveals that Clover sees Claudia not just as a client but as a person whose life and regrets matter deeply to her.

Navigation

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Book Hub