Chapter 17 Summary, Analysis, and Key Takeaways
⚠️ 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
The chapter opens with the narrator, Katarina, questioning Bella about why she invited her to train. Bella explains that she wants a rival to push both of them to become better, drawing a parallel to the historic rivalry between her mother, Sheila Lin, and Veronika Volkova. Bella reveals that Volkova now coaches only Russian ice dancers, including her niece Yelena, and that the media is already anticipating a future clash between Yelena and Bella. The narrator admits her goals: to compete in the Olympics, win national and world titles, and ultimately take home an Olympic gold medal. Bella, in turn, states she wants multiple golds and aims to make her mother a mere footnote in the record books. The two decide to go for a swim in the heated pool, where Bella asks about the narrator's relationship with Heath. The narrator recounts meeting Heath at age ten, when he watched her practice, and their first kiss on the ice during a choreographed move. Bella warns them to be more discreet, noting that their room is next to Gemma's, and Gemma is friends with Josie, so everyone likely knows about their relationship. Bella also declares she has no time for romance, aiming to become an Olympic gold medalist by twenty-two. The chapter ends with Heath calling out from the shadows, interrupting their conversation.
Key Events
- Bella reveals she invited the narrator to be her rival, citing her mother's rivalry with Veronika Volkova. - The narrator states her goals: Olympic gold, national and world titles. - Bella states her goal: multiple golds and to surpass her mother's legacy. - They swim in the heated pool, with a playful exchange. - Bella asks about the narrator's relationship with Heath. - The narrator recounts meeting Heath at age ten and their first kiss on the ice. - Bella warns them to be more discreet because their room is next to Gemma's. - Bella declares she has no time for romance, aiming for Olympic gold by twenty-two. - Heath calls out from the shadows.
Character Development
In this chapter, the narrator reveals her deep-seated ambition and her envy of Bella's unshakable confidence. She admits that she wants to be better than Bella and even better than Yelena Volkova, showing her competitive drive. Bella, on the other hand, displays a more vulnerable side when she admits she has no time for romance and reveals her desire to surpass her mother's legacy. The narrator also reflects on her relationship with Heath, realizing that their connection is complicated and that they have been each other's only support. Bella's bluntness and maturity are highlighted, as she offers practical advice about discretion. The narrator's backstory with Heath is fleshed out, showing how their bond formed early and evolved into a romantic relationship.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Rivalry as Mutual Motivation: Bella explicitly states that having a rival will push both of them to improve, echoing the historical Lin-Volkova rivalry. - Legacy and Surpassing Predecessors: Bella wants to make her mother a footnote, indicating a desire to exceed her mother's achievements. - Olympic Ambition: Both characters are driven by the goal of Olympic gold, with Bella aiming for multiple golds by age twenty-two. - Romance versus Athletic Focus: Bella warns the narrator about mixing skating and romance, suggesting that relationships can be a distraction. - Secrecy and Discretion: Bella advises the narrator to be more discreet about her relationship with Heath, highlighting the need for privacy in a competitive environment. - Confidence and Self-Belief: The narrator envies Bella's innate confidence, which contrasts with her own self-doubt.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter deepens the relationship between the narrator and Bella, establishing a competitive yet supportive dynamic that will likely drive the plot forward. It also provides crucial backstory for the narrator's relationship with Heath, explaining how they met and fell in love. The introduction of the Lin-Volkova rivalry and the anticipation of a future showdown with Yelena sets up potential conflicts and stakes for the narrator's own ambitions. Bella's warning about discretion foreshadows potential consequences if the relationship becomes public or affects their skating. The chapter also highlights the narrator's internal struggle with confidence and her desire to prove herself, which may be a central theme of the book.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Bella invite the narrator to train with her?
Bella wants a rival to push both of them to improve, referencing her mother's rivalry with Veronika Volkova. She believes that having a competitor will motivate them to become better skaters.
2. What are the narrator's and Bella's respective goals?
The narrator wants to compete in the Olympics, win national and world titles, and earn an Olympic gold medal. Bella wants multiple golds and aims to surpass her mother's legacy, making her mother a footnote in the record books.
3. What warning does Bella give the narrator about her relationship with Heath?
Bella advises the narrator to be more discreet about her relationship with Heath because their room is next to Gemma's, and Gemma is friends with Josie, so everyone likely knows. She also warns that mixing skating and romance can be tricky, implying it could affect their performance.