824 Results with the "Fiction" genre


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      Chapter 22

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 22, Phoebe takes a solitary drive to the Breakers in a champagne-stocked Mercedes, reflecting on the lives of the wealthy and their hidden desires. Her fascination with nineteenth-century novels about the rich frames her thoughts on what people truly need beyond material wealth. The chapter opens with Phoebe contemplating the emotional void a bride might feel, even amid a grand wedding setting, setting a tone of introspection and questioning the nature of happiness and fulfillment. Phoebe then…
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      Chapter 7

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 7, Phoebe and Matt, two graduate students in a philosophy department, initially share a silent companionship as they focus intensely on completing their dissertations before their sixth year ends. Their routine is abruptly interrupted by a power outage, which forces them to interact. Matt’s calm assurance in the face of lost work offers Phoebe a new sense of comfort, sparking the beginning of a connection between them. This moment marks a shift from isolated academic labor to shared human…
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      Chapter 23

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 23 opens with a subdued atmosphere at the Cornwall hotel following the abrupt cancellation of a wedding. The usual celebratory mood has vanished, replaced by an awkward silence and a sense of discomfort among the guests and staff alike. Pauline, the hotel employee, reflects this shift with a more solemn demeanor as she handles inquiries and logistical issues, such as the non-refund of spa fees and the reopening of amenities. Meanwhile, Phoebe observes her friends Nat and Suz quietly processing the…
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      Chapter 8

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 8, Phoebe awakens to a knock from Lila, the bride, who seems preoccupied with trivial concerns like a hat’s style, highlighting her lack of curiosity and emotional depth. Phoebe reflects on this contrast with her own sensitivity, recalling how even her therapist’s humanity disrupts the usual clinical detachment she expects. The chapter explores Phoebe’s internal world, marked by a profound secret experience from the previous night that she feels reluctant to share, yet which promises to…
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      Chapter 24

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Marla firmly situated in the conservatory, determined not to leave until she sees Gary. Despite the tension surrounding the absent groom, Marla insists on indulging in the wedding brunch, sparking a lighthearted debate about the propriety of eating the food when the wedding itself is in question. As others gradually join, including family members and friends, they share anecdotes about Gary’s past—highlighting his mischievous youth and the impact of a childhood fire caused by his…
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      Chapter 9

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In this chapter, Phoebe is introduced to a close-knit group of wedding guests linked to Lila, the bride. The group greets Phoebe warmly, revealing their unique personalities and backstories, such as High Bun’s transformation and Neck Pillow’s Catholic boarding school past. The interactions highlight the complex dynamics among the wedding party, especially through the characters of Marla, the groom’s sister, and Juice, the groom’s daughter, whose mature demeanor contrasts with her youth. Phoebe…
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      Chapter 10

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 10, the group finds themselves aboard a narrow sailboat, where the captain cautions them about the boat's tipping point, blending humor with caution. The atmosphere is light yet tense, with Marla and Lila embodying contrasting attitudes—Marla skeptical and confrontational, Lila composed and confident. Their interaction quickly shifts to a playful debate over the proper pluralization of a cocktail name, "Vacation in a Cup(s)," highlighting subtle tensions within the group. This moment reflects…
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      Chapter 11

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 11 centers around a quiet yet revealing moment at the hotel involving Pauline, the diligent front desk attendant, and the wedding party returning from a sail. Lila immediately voices dissatisfaction about her mattress, sparking a subtle exploration of her personality and relationship dynamics. While Lila’s complaint seems trivial, it reflects her way of managing discomfort indirectly, as she cannot express her true feelings about a recent funeral on the boat. Pauline’s readiness to solve…
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      Chapter 12

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 12, Phoebe awakens at sunrise with a compelling urge to visit the ocean, symbolizing a pivotal moment in her journey. She dons a sweater from Lila’s mother, reflecting her unsettled state and practical concerns about her appearance. On her way out, she unexpectedly encounters Gary and Lila being formally photographed in the conservatory. Their posed interaction feels artificial to Phoebe, highlighting the contrast between genuine connection and performative displays of relationship. This…
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      Chapter 13

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      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 13, Phoebe navigates the complexities of her relationship and her discomfort with traditional maternal roles. Driving with Juice, she reflects on her own restrained expressions of affection, shaped by a family background where love was shown in subtle ways rather than overt displays. Unlike her husband, who eagerly embraces the joys of parenthood and social interactions involving children, Phoebe feels alienated by the performative happiness expected around kids, revealing a deeper emotional…
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