Summary
This chapter detail events surrounding Susie’s memorial. Grandma Lynn arrives and brings some happiness with her to the Salmon household. Susie thinking about her own memorial brings Susie to remember the only time she ever saw a dead body which was her neighbour Mrs Utemeyer. She describes the attendees of her funeral and notes that Ray Singh stayed away and Mr Harvey attended; when Grandma Lynn points him out to Lindsey she faints which allows him to slip away unnoticed.
Characterisation: the use of humour (AO1, AO2)
The subject matter of the novel is often challenging but it does utilise some moments of humour. Grandma Lynn’s arrival is significant because of the contrast in view she has about life compared to Abigail; Susie describes her effect on the household as ‘dragging the light back in’. Abigail finds herself affected by her mother’s efforts despite how emotionally distant and distressed she has been. Irony is used when Lynn warns Lindsey against ‘pot’ while also drinking alcohol which is presented as humorous to the audience. Lynn abbreviates the word ‘prostitute’ to ‘tute’ to teasingly refer to Lindsey’s heavily made up appearance. Overall, Susie introduced Lynn as a warm and funny character who contrasts with other members of the family can lead to humour, even in very bleak situations.
Point of view: memory and recall (AO1, AO2, AO3)
This chapter deliberates over the nature of remembering. Lynn and Lindsey have an important conversation when they are trying to select an outfit for Lindsey to wear to the memorial. This is the first time that Lindsey acknowledges Lindsey’s ageing; Susie points out that she notices the wispy hair ‘at the base of my grandmother’s skull’. The noun ‘skull’ could suggest that Susie’s death has affect Lindsey’s outlook as she is now thinking of people in more vulnerable terms. In addition, it is important to remember that this information is reaching us via Susie. Ray saying his goodbyes to Susie via a photograph rather than attending the memorial relates to the theme of memory. Ray also uses ab asyndetic list to describe what death means to him.
How does Lynn attempt to cheer up Abigail?
Lynn tries to help Abigail by offering to give her a makeover and teach Lindsey about makeup which allows them to bond. In addition, she also announces that Lindsey has a boyfriend.
What does Lindsey note is the effect of her makeover?
Lindsey believes that the makeup separates her from being ‘the dead girl’s sister’ to being a young woman with her own identity and independence.
