character insights
This character begins to uncover truths about Lydia's life that shock them.
Nath
The discovery in Lydia's room that changes everything the family thought they knew about her.
letters/notes
Represents Lydia's struggles and the expectations placed on her by her parents
the lake
"It would disappear forever from her memory of Lydia, the way memories of a lost loved one always smooth and simplify themselves, shedding complexities like scales."
marilyn
The subject Lydia struggled with, reflecting her disinterest contrary to her parents' belief.
physics
She struggles with her identity and parental expectations, driving much of the novel's conflict.
Lydia
This event is a turning point, leading Nath to confront Jack.
finding out Jack and Lydia were not romantically involved
This symbolizes the communication gap between parents and children.
unsent letters
"He hadn't realized until now that he was angry, too."
james
This item of Lydia's becomes a symbol of her aspirations and constraints.
necklace
This character's past relationship with Marilyn plays a significant role in understanding their actions towards their children
James
The unexpected outcome of Marilyn's search for Lydia's cause of death.
learning Lydia drowned
Reflects the racial and gender expectations imposed on the Lee family.
setting of the 1970s
"She had never realized how much of her life had been built on unspoken agreements."
marilyn
The place where Lydia was found, significant to the novel's central mystery.
lake
She tries to connect with her children after Lydia's death, facing her own past decisions.
Marilyn
This revelation about Lydia's academic life surprises her family
Lydia was failing her classes
Symbolizes the hopes and failures of Marilyn's dreams for Lydia
science textbooks
"This little bottle was her mother's first rebellion."
Marilyn's decision to pursue science over homemaking
Reflects the societal pressure on women during the time period of the novel.
Marilyn's return to homemaking
This sibling feels overlooked and seeks solace in a hobby Lydia also shared.
Hannah
The family discovers this about Lydia's social life, which contradicts what they believed
Lydia had almost no friends
Represents the hidden aspects of one's identity and the unknown facets of Lydia's life
diary
"You loved her more than anything else, but you didn't know her at all."
nath
This represents the external pressures and internal conflicts within the Lee family
the dinner convos