62 pages 2 hours read

Kristin Hannah

Home Front

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012

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Part 2, Chapters 19-24Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 2: “A Soldier’s Heart”

Part 2, Chapter 19 Summary

Michael, Betsy, and Lulu prepare the house for Jolene’s return. Betsy and Michael are both afraid of how much Jolene has changed, but Michael tries to convince his daughter that everything will be okay.

On the flight home, Jolene feels numb. When she lands, an ambulance takes her to a rehabilitation center. She arrives and sees her family waiting for her. Betsy accidentally knocks into Jolene’s amputated leg, causing Jolene to lash out in pain. Betsy and Lulu look hurt and afraid. After Michael checks Jolene in, he takes her to her room, which his family filled with flowers and a large banner Betsy and Lulu made. Conny enters and introduces himself as Jolene’s physical therapist. He settles Jolene into bed and leaves. Jolene tries to force herself to feel joy at being home. When Jolene hugs Lulu, she finally feels overwhelming love for her family and apologizes for her behavior. Mila and the girls leave the room while Michael tells his wife about their modifications to the house. Jolene tells him to leave, too tired to continue pretending she is okay.

Jolene wakes from a nightmare and the phantom limb pain in her missing foot. Conny appears, and although Jolene tells him to leave, he enters the room and helps her sit up.