48 pages 1 hour read

Nina George, Transl. Simon Pare

The Little Paris Bookshop

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Chapters 28-36Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 28 Summary

Perdu tells everyone that Manon is dead, and Max reveals that he already found Manon’s obituary in a book on Lulu. He pulls it out of his pocket and shows Perdu. The two hug, and Max holds Perdu while he cries.

Cuneo makes a confession as well. He found the woman he was searching for 15 years ago. She barely remembered him at all. Javier is angry that Cuneo deceived them for years, asking for work and lodging to help him on his romantic search. Perdu and Max defend Cuneo when Javier begins yelling at him.

Back on the boat, Perdu has an epiphany, realizing that carrying the memory of lost loves and dead loved ones is part of what makes people whole and part of the present. Now, Perdu feels anxious to live a full life, but he realizes that Catherine won’t take Manon’s place if he pursues a romance with her.

Chapter 29 Summary

A week passes. Perdu, Max, and Cuneo continue to get to know each other better. Perdu calls home to his parents and to number 27.

One stormy day, Perdu sees a woman jump into the turbulent waters of the river. Cuneo dives into the water to rescue her, and Max and Perdu haul the two back aboard with a life ring.