Chapter summaries Things we never got over Lucy Score

Chapter 53: Dankwoord – Acknowledgments and Author’s Gratitude

⚠️ 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

Chapter 53 is the author’s acknowledgments page, titled “Dankwoord” (Dutch for “acknowledgments”). Lucy Score expresses gratitude to a range of people who supported the book’s creation. She thanks Kari March Designs for the cover design, and her editors Jessica, Dawn, and Heather for their editorial work. Proofreaders Joyce and Tammy are thanked for their careful reading and for reassuring her that the manuscript was not an emotional disaster. She acknowledges friends Josie, Jen, and Claire for their strength in comforting others despite their own losses. “Meneer Lucy” is thanked for repeatedly telling her to stop worrying about deadlines and bar dates and to focus on writing the best story she could. She playfully thanks sparkling water for pretending to be soda. Finally, she thanks her readers for their encouragement during the long and difficult writing process.

Key Events

  • The author credits Kari March Designs with the book’s cover design.
  • Editors (Jessica, Dawn, Heather) and proofreaders (Joyce, Tammy) are recognized for their contributions.
  • A group of friends — Josie, Jen, Claire — is thanked for their emotional support despite their own hardships.
  • “Meneer Lucy” (presumably the author’s partner) is acknowledged for urging her to focus on writing rather than deadlines.
  • A humorous mention is made of sparkling water pretending to be soda.
  • Readers are thanked for their patience and encouragement over the long writing timeline.

Character Development

No fictional characters from the story appear in this chapter. Instead, the chapter reveals the author’s own persona: a writer who struggled with deadlines and emotional confidence, relying on a network of editors, proofreaders, friends, and family. The acknowledgments show her humility, gratitude, and perseverance — qualities that, while meta‑textual, reflect the dedication behind the novel.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Gratitude and Collaboration – The chapter emphasizes that a novel is not a solitary achievement; many professionals (designers, editors, proofreaders) and personal supporters contributed.
  • Perseverance – References to a “long time” to write and the need to ignore external pressures (deadlines, “bar dates”) highlight the persistence required to complete a creative work.
  • Playfulness – The nod to sparkling water pretending to be soda adds a lighthearted, self‑aware tone, reminding readers that the author doesn’t take herself too seriously.

Why This Chapter Matters

Though not part of the narrative, Chapter 53 serves as a bridge between the fictional world and the real one. It humanizes the author, showing her vulnerability and the support system that made the book possible. For readers, it deepens appreciation of the story and provides context for the emotional weight carried through the novel. It also mirrors themes from the book — community, resilience, and love — by demonstrating those forces at work outside the page.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Who is thanked for designing the cover of the book?
Answer: Kari March Designs is acknowledged for the perfect cover design.

2. What specific advice does “Meneer Lucy” give the author?
Answer: He repeatedly tells her to stop worrying about deadlines and bar dates and instead focus on writing the best story she can.

3. Why does the author thank her readers in this chapter?
Answer: She thanks them for their continued encouragement despite the long time it took her to write the book.

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