Chapter 90: Aftermath and Reflection
⚠️ 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
Joyce reports that the box, which once held the devils' spirits, heroin, and her household supplies, now contains Stephen's ashes. Jonjo flew the box to Iraq and posted it on Instagram. Elizabeth plans to fly to Baghdad next month, combining the trip with a stop in Dubai with Viktor to follow leads on the Bethany Waites case. While she is away, Bogdan will redecorate her flat — but not too extensively.
Joyce observes that Coopers Chase is full of widows and widowers who must soldier on. She reflects that many residents may have assisted in their partner's death — "love has its own laws." She notes that death does not frighten her, only pain, and that Stephen faced the same choice.
Mervyn got his £5,000 back but is heartbroken, and Donna had to intervene when he planned to invest with a new online broker. Ron and Pauline returned from Copenhagen; Ron wore a lilac polo shirt and complained that the trip was like "everywhere else abroad." Ibrahim has been quiet, piling sadness on his own shoulders, but Joyce saw him having lunch with Computer Bob, which cheered her.
The daffodils are out early — a miracle after nearly eighty years, though Joyce acknowledges global warming. Alan recovered from a cat scratch. Joyce wishes for a period of peace: no murders, drugs, or threats. She wants weddings — for Donna and Bogdan, Chris and Patrice, Ron and Pauline, perhaps Joanna and the football chairman.
Finally, she reveals the truth about the new resident she earlier called Edwin Mayhem: it was a typo. His real name is Edwin Mayhew, a retired quantity surveyor from Carshalton, whose daughter Emma persuaded him to move in. He worried the pace of life might be slow, but Joyce sees he will fit right in. He wore a tea cosy on his head and made Alan laugh. Joyce plans to make a mango pavlova for him and the others.
She ends by addressing her late husband Gerry, telling him the silver gravy boat from a car-boot sale is now fashionable. She feels less alone when she writes, and thanks the reader for company.
Key Events
- Stephen's ashes are placed in the box and flown to Baghdad by Jonjo.
- Elizabeth will travel to Baghdad next month, with a stop in Dubai for the Bethany Waites case.
- Bogdan plans to redecorate Elizabeth's flat while she is away.
- Mervyn recovers his money but remains vulnerable to a new scam.
- Ron and Pauline return from Copenhagen; Ron wears a lilac polo shirt.
- Ibrahim dines with Computer Bob, offering a social outlet beyond Ron.
- Joyce meets new resident Edwin Mayhew (not Mayhem) and welcomes him.
- Joyce makes a pavlova with mangoes after seeing the recipe on Saturday Kitchen.
- Joyce addresses a final message to her deceased husband Gerry.
Character Development
- Joyce: Shows resilience and acceptance of death; her narrative voice combines practicality, warmth, and a touch of humour. She takes on a welcoming role for Edwin Mayhew.
- Elizabeth: Is actively moving forward — planning travel and re-engaging with the Waites case, signalling that she will not stagnate in grief.
- Ron: Remains stubborn and gruff, wearing a lilac shirt that surprises Joyce; his hip still causes pain.
- Ibrahim: Withdraws into sadness but is seen taking small steps to connect with others (lunch with Computer Bob).
- Mervyn: Learns little from his earlier mistake, requiring intervention from Donna again.
- Edwin Mayhew: Arrives as a gentle, practical man who is nervous about retirement-community life but quickly shows his playful side (tea-cosy prank). He represents new beginnings.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- The Box: Serves as a symbolic container for many transformations — from demonic spirits to heroin to household goods to human ashes. It becomes a vessel for memory and closure.
- Aging and Urgency: Joyce reflects that the certainty of death makes one feel more alive. The "urgency of old age" is a constant undercurrent — every moment is final, every relationship precious.
- Love and Death: The line "love has its own laws" alludes to the idea that love can justify actions beyond conventional morality. Joyce notes that many partners at Coopers Chase may have assisted in a death.
- Daffodils as Hope: Despite global warming and apocalypse, Joyce insists that appreciating a flower can give hope. The early blooms symbolise resilience and renewal.
- Contrast between Expected Quiet and Constant Motion: Coopers Chase seems sedate but is actually "always in motion" with "ageing, and death, and love, and grief, and final snatched moments."
- Acts of Caring: Joyce’s lemon meringue, mango pavlova, and offers to show Edwin around all illustrate the community’s quiet support.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 90 serves as a reflective epilogue that closes the emotional arc of Stephen’s death. It shows how each character copes with loss and looks toward the future — Elizabeth re-engages with the Waites case, Joyce finds comfort in writing and cooking, and a new resident arrives to continue the cycle. The chapter reaffirms the novel’s central insight: in old age, life is never static, and the awareness of death fuels a fierce appreciation of living. It also leaves hope for new love and new beginnings, with Joyce’s wish for weddings and her warm welcome to Edwin.
Study Questions and Answers
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Where are Stephen’s ashes ultimately placed, and how does that honour his wishes?
The ashes are placed inside the box that held the heroin and flown to Baghdad by Jonjo. Stephen had promised Elizabeth they would visit Baghdad together, so this act fulfils that promise symbolically. -
What does Joyce reveal about the new resident’s name, and what does it reflect about her character?
Joyce first misread the name as "Edwin Mayhem" and imagined an exciting past. When she meets him, it turns out to be "Edwin Mayhew," a retired quantity surveyor. This shows Joyce’s tendency to romanticise and her willingness to accept reality with good humour. -
How does Joyce view death in this chapter, and how does that compare to the novel’s earlier themes?
Joyce says she does not fear death, only pain. She observes that the closer one gets to death, the less it matters — a contrast with earlier moments of danger. This acceptance echoes the idea that love and connection outweigh the fear of ending.