Let's talk the end of Book 1

Welcome back to another audio guide to this week’s chapters!

In today’s audio, I discuss:

• What has actually happened in the novel so far (Not much!)

• The tensions arising between May and Newland, and Ellen and Newland, as two separate relationships he’s navigating simultaneously

• The main theme I noticed in this week’s chapters: The question of culpability in Society

• A detailed discussion of each chapter’s key plot points

Listen along once you’ve completed this week’s chapters, or use it as a guide to help you get back into the story.

And listeners: feel free to start sharing analyses and observations in the comments here, if you’d like to, before the Wednesday guide launches tomorrow.

To show your support for the labor of love that each week’s audio and written guides entail, consider becoming a paid subscriber!

I have to say: getting to sit and chat about a novel after a grueling workday is a real pleasure. The only thing that could make it better is having you all live with me to have a real discussion. Substack has a chat feature — should I open a channel for our Close Readers? What do you think?

See you tomorrow with the full chapter guide!

‘Til then, happy reading! 📚