68 pages 2 hours read

Rebecca Makkai

The Great Believers

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018

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Pages 130-256Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Pages 130-134 Summary: “2015”

Arnaud shows Fiona a set of pictures he took of Kurt and his current companion, a tall black-haired woman. Fiona feels mixed emotions, relieved that Claire might not be with Kurt, but afraid that it might be more difficult to find her.

Arnaud also tells Fiona that he found Kurt’s apartment. He plans to bribe the landlord and search his apartment with Fiona in a few days.

Pages 135-148 Summary: “1985”

Yale and Charlie are going through a sexual dry spell in their relationship. In addition to confusion over Charlie’s jealousy, Yale now wonders why he seems reluctant to engage physically. Meanwhile, Asher and Teddy report that Julian is engaging in random sexual encounters with other infected men. Teddy says Julian refers to his sex practices as a kind of “Russian roulette.” Teddy also shares that he recently tested negative for the virus, much to Yale’s relief. Yale is distressed to learn, however, that the hospital is discharging Terrence (because Terrence is still very weak).

Yale, Bill, and Roman go to Wisconsin to visit Nora. Yale receives a stand-offish greeting from Nora’s son, Frank, who vocally disapproves of her donation and claims that the three of them are trespassing.