Chapter 35 Summary: Anthony Visits for a Haircut
⚠️ 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
Anthony, a hairdresser who usually avoids house calls, visits Elizabeth’s home to cut Stephen’s hair. While trimming, he engages Stephen in casual conversation, learning about Stephen’s fading memory and his old friend Kuldesh. Stephen recalls a barber named Freddie the Frog from Edgbaston in 1955, and Anthony plays along with the repeated jokes. Elizabeth watches, reflecting on how few friends Stephen remembers and how she treasures these peaceful moments. She also notes that her handbag feels heavier after the visit to Viktor, implying she might be carrying a weapon. Deciding the investigation can wait, Elizabeth resolves to turn off her phone and devote the day entirely to Stephen, appreciating that love can sometimes be simple and effortless.
Key Events
- Anthony arrives to cut Stephen’s hair – He breaks his usual rule against house visits for the sake of Elizabeth’s husband.
- Conversation about Stephen’s past – Stephen mentions his friend Kuldesh and the barber Freddie the Frog, revealing his patchy memory but also his enduring sense of humour.
- Elizabeth’s quiet observation – She enjoys seeing Stephen laugh and notices how he tells the same old stories with perfect timing, even as dementia clouds other words.
- The heavier handbag – Elizabeth’s purse contains something extra after the trip to Viktor, hinting at a weapon or contraband.
- Elizabeth chooses family over work – She decides to switch off her phone and focus on Stephen for the rest of the day, trusting Joyce and Ibrahim to handle the Samantha Barnes interview.
Character Development
- Elizabeth – Shows her vulnerability and deep love for Stephen. She prioritises his wellbeing over the case, demonstrating that her role as a wife outweighs her detective instincts.
- Stephen – His dementia is portrayed gently; he remembers old stories but struggles with recent names. His warmth and humour remain intact, reminding readers of the person he once was.
- Anthony – Revealed as kind and playful, willing to bend his rules for Elizabeth. He adapts to Stephen’s mental state, entering into his world of repeated anecdotes without condescension.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Memory and Identity – Stephen’s reliance on a few fixed stories (Kuldesh, Freddie the Frog) underscores how dementia shrinks a person’s world. The haircut itself becomes a ritual of normalcy in the face of decline.
- Love and Sacrifice – Elizabeth’s decision to switch off her phone mirrors her earlier choices to put Stephen first. The “heavier handbag” symbolises the hidden weight of her double life, which she is willing to set aside.
- The Ordinary as Sacred – A simple haircut transforms into a moment of connection. Anthony’s free haircut for “handsome” clients suggests that kindness costs nothing but means everything.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter offers a quiet interlude from the thriller plot, deepening our understanding of Elizabeth’s personal struggles. It humanises the investigation by showing that even a master spy prioritises love over duty. The focus on Stephen’s dementia adds emotional stakes: every moment with him is precious. The chapter also sets up a future confrontation, as Elizabeth’s heavier handbag is a Chekhov’s gun that will likely be fired later. Readers gain insight into the group’s dynamics: Elizabeth trusts Joyce and Ibrahim to carry on without her, reinforcing their bond.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Elizabeth decide to turn off her phone?
Elizabeth turns off her phone because she wants to give Stephen her full attention. She realises that the case can wait, and she treasures the rare peaceful moment of watching him laugh and enjoy his haircut. This choice shows that her love for Stephen often outweighs her drive to solve the mystery.
2. What does the repeated story of Freddie the Frog reveal about Stephen’s condition?
Stephen’s ability to recall the barber Freddie the Frog with perfect detail, while forgetting Anthony’s name or his own recent actions, illustrates how dementia preserves certain memories—usually older, emotionally resonant ones—while erasing the present. The story also provides a source of joy for both Stephen and Elizabeth.
3. How does Anthony’s behaviour reflect the theme of ordinary kindness?
Anthony breaks his no-house-calls rule, gives a free haircut, and plays along with Stephen’s repetitive anecdotes. He treats Stephen with dignity and humour, not pity. This ordinary act of kindness creates a safe, loving space that contrasts sharply with the danger and deceit of the main plot.