Chapter 24: Nine Ashlyn — Summary and Analysis

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Summary

On October 7, 1984, Ashlyn Greer drives to Ethan Hillard's home in Rye, New Hampshire, with a copy of Forever, and Other Lies tucked under her arm.

She has spent hours writing questions on sticky notes and attaching them to the pages, hoping to get Ethan's help in deciphering the mysteries of the two books she found.

She also carries a polite note and has sealed everything in a protective plastic sleeve.

Her plan is to leave the book for Ethan without bothering him directly, but when she arrives, she finds the mailbox stuffed with junk mail and no sign of a vehicle.

She decides to slip the book between the storm door and the front door, but as she is about to do so, Ethan himself opens the door, startling her.

He is clearly annoyed and looks tired, with a shadow of stubble and clothes that appear worn for days.

Ashlyn apologizes and explains she left messages but got no response.

Ethan reveals he has been writing with the phone unplugged for about a week, lost track of time, and never received her calls.

He is under pressure to deliver five chapters to his editor and is struggling with writer's block.

Just as Ashlyn is about to leave, a neighbor, Mrs. Warren, appears at the end of the drive with her dog, clearly watching them.

Ethan, aware of the neighborhood gossip, invites Ashlyn inside to avoid drawing more attention.

Once inside, he gives her a tour of the house, which is beautifully decorated in soft creams and grays.

Ashlyn admires the space, and Ethan explains that his late mother, Catherine, redecorated the entire house after learning she was sick, wanting everything to be in order for her husband and for Ethan.

He shares that Catherine was given a year to live but fought for three, making lists and ensuring the housekeeper would stay on to look after the family.

Ashlyn is moved by this, and she reflects on her own mother's choices, comparing them to Catherine's decision to stay and fight.

During the conversation, Ashlyn mentions that her almost-ex-husband Daniel died four years ago after being hit by a truck.

Ethan offers his condolences, and the conversation shifts to the reason for Ashlyn's visit.

She explains that she has questions about Geraldine Spencer, also known as Goldie, who inherited her father's newspaper business and used it to expose corruption.

Ashlyn also mentions a new name, Steven Schwab, who might be the man who broke Belle's heart.

She has attached sticky notes to the relevant pages and included photocopies of pictures she hopes Ethan might recognize.

Ethan, though initially reluctant, agrees to look at the book.

He offers her a bowl of seafood chowder that his housekeeper Penny brought by, and Ashlyn accepts, making a salad while Ethan opens a bottle of Malbec.

The chapter ends with the two of them preparing a meal together, a moment of unexpected comfort and connection.

Key Events

• Ashlyn drives to Ethan's house in Rye, New Hampshire, with a copy of Forever, and Other Lies and sticky-note questions.

• She attempts to leave the book in the mailbox but finds it full, then tries to slip it between the storm door and front door.

• Ethan catches her in the act and confronts her; she explains she left messages but he never responded.

• Ethan reveals he has been writing with the phone unplugged for about a week, struggling with writer's block.

• Mrs. Warren, a nosy neighbor, observes them, prompting Ethan to invite Ashlyn inside.

• Ethan gives Ashlyn a tour of the house, which his mother Catherine redecorated before her death.

• Ashlyn learns about Catherine's illness and her efforts to prepare the house for her family.

• Ashlyn shares that her almost-ex-husband Daniel died four years ago after being hit by a truck.

• Ashlyn explains her questions about Geraldine Spencer (Goldie) and Steven Schwab, and Ethan agrees to review the book.

• They prepare a meal together, sharing chowder and salad, and open a bottle of wine.

Character Development

Ashlyn shows a willingness to trust Ethan by leaving her precious book with him, even though trust is not her strong suit.

She also reveals a vulnerable side when she mentions Daniel's death, and she reflects on her mother's choices in contrast to Catherine's.

Her decision to drive to Ethan's house, despite feeling like a trespasser, demonstrates her determination to uncover the truth about the books.

Ethan is initially gruff and tired, but he softens as he shows Ashlyn his home and shares memories of his mother.

His writer's block and the pressure from his editor reveal a creative struggle, and his invitation to share a meal suggests a growing openness to Ashlyn's presence.

The chapter also hints at his grief over his mother's death and his appreciation for the care she took in preparing the house.

Mrs. Warren serves as a minor but telling character, representing the community's watchful eye and the social pressure that shapes Ethan's actions.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

• Trust and Privacy: Ashlyn's act of leaving the book with Ethan is a significant gesture of trust, while Ethan's unplugged phone and his initial annoyance at her intrusion highlight the tension between privacy and connection.

• Community Surveillance: Mrs. Warren's presence underscores how small communities monitor each other, influencing behavior and creating a sense of being watched.

• Grief and Loss: Both Ashlyn and Ethan carry grief—Ashlyn for Daniel, Ethan for his mother.

The chapter explores how loss shapes their choices and their ability to connect.

• Legacy and Preparation: Catherine's redecorating and list-making are acts of love and preparation for her family's future, contrasting with Ashlyn's mother's choices and raising questions about how we leave our mark.

• Motherhood Choices: Ashlyn's internal comparison between her mother and Catherine highlights different responses to illness and mortality.

• Shared Meals as Connection: The chowder and salad preparation becomes a moment of intimacy and normalcy, breaking down barriers between the two characters.

• Investigation through Questions: Ashlyn's sticky notes and her verbal questions drive the plot, showing how inquiry can lead to discovery and relationship building.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is pivotal because it moves Ashlyn and Ethan from a professional, almost adversarial relationship to a more personal and collaborative one.

Ethan's agreement to review the book with Ashlyn's questions marks a turning point in the investigation, potentially unlocking secrets about Belle, Hemi, and the mysterious Steven Schwab.

The chapter also deepens our understanding of Ethan's background, his mother's influence, and his current struggles, making him a more sympathetic and complex character.

Ashlyn's vulnerability about Daniel and her reflections on motherhood add emotional depth and connect to the novel's broader themes of love, loss, and the stories we leave behind.

The shared meal symbolizes a new level of trust and sets the stage for the revelations to come.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Ashlyn decide to drive to Ethan's house instead of waiting for him to respond to her messages?

Ashlyn is determined to get Ethan's help with the books and has grown impatient with the lack of response.

She has prepared detailed questions and photocopies, and she feels she has nothing to lose by confronting him directly.

Her decision also reflects her growing investment in uncovering the truth about the books, even if it means stepping outside her comfort zone.

2. How does Ethan's explanation about the unplugged phone change Ashlyn's perception of him?

Initially, Ashlyn might have assumed Ethan was ignoring her, but his explanation reveals that he was simply absorbed in his writing and unaware of her calls.

This shifts her view from seeing him as dismissive to understanding his creative struggles and the pressure he is under.

It also humanizes him and opens the door for a more sympathetic interaction.

3. What does Catherine's redecorating project reveal about her character and her relationship with her family?

Catherine's decision to redecorate the entire house after learning she was sick shows her selflessness and her desire to leave things in order for her husband and son.

She made lists, arranged for the housekeeper to stay, and ensured everything was