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    The Book of Love

    by Link, Kelly
    Set in the coastal town of Lovesend, Massachusetts, Kelly Link’s “The Book of Love” follows three teenagers who mysteriously return from the dead. They must navigate magical challenges to secure their continued existence. The novel explores themes of love in its many forms—romantic, familial, and platonic—alongside grief, identity, and resilience, blending magical realism with coming-of-age drama.
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    The Book of Love

    The Book of Daniel 12

    by Link, Kelly

    In this chap­ter of *The Book of Daniel*, Daniel attempts to recon­nect with his past by vis­it­ing a par­ty where famil­iar faces from his for­mer life gath­er. How­ev­er, the encounter quick­ly proves uncom­fort­able. Old acquain­tances Tor­rey and Mar­gret, now uni­ver­si­ty stu­dents, engage him in awk­ward small talk, while Barb Gilly unex­pect­ed­ly punch­es him, reveal­ing unre­solved ten­sions. This inter­ac­tion high­lights Daniel’s alien­ation from his pre­vi­ous social world and his strug­gle to rec­on­cile who he was before his death with who he is now. Feel­ing out of place, Daniel leaves the par­ty, seek­ing solace with Susan­nah, the per­son he tru­ly cares about.

    Daniel’s reunion with Susan­nah is tense but charged with unspo­ken emo­tions. He apol­o­gizes for past mis­un­der­stand­ings involv­ing Lau­ra and the secrets about his dreams, which had caused fric­tion. Despite Susannah’s sharp words and ini­tial cold­ness, there is an under­ly­ing acknowl­edg­ment of love between them. Daniel express­es his desire to spend mean­ing­ful time with her before he must return to Ire­land, and Susan­nah agrees, set­ting terms for their frag­ile con­nec­tion. Their con­ver­sa­tion reveals the com­plex­i­ty of their rela­tion­ship, marked by pain, affec­tion, and the uncer­tain­ty of their futures.

    As the night pro­gress­es, Daniel and Susan­nah share a qui­et, inti­mate moment in her home. They dis­cuss Susannah’s pos­si­ble plans to move away and the ambi­gu­i­ty sur­round­ing their lives. The pres­ence of Lau­ra, who inter­mit­tent­ly intrudes, adds a lay­er of famil­ial ten­sion and awk­ward­ness. Daniel’s reluc­tance to cel­e­brate his upcom­ing birth­day con­trasts with Susannah’s play­ful insis­tence on know­ing what he wants, under­scor­ing their deep but com­pli­cat­ed bond. The chap­ter cap­tures the bit­ter­sweet nature of their inter­ac­tion, blend­ing com­fort with unre­solved con­flict.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with Daniel falling asleep beside Susan­nah, only to be awak­ened by the mys­te­ri­ous pres­ence of Bogomil. This sur­re­al moment intro­duces an ele­ment of the super­nat­ur­al or oth­er­world­ly, sug­gest­ing that Daniel’s jour­ney involves more than just per­son­al rec­on­cil­i­a­tion. The appear­ance of Bogomil hints at larg­er forces at play, set­ting the stage for future chal­lenges. Over­all, the chap­ter explores themes of iden­ti­ty, love, and the ten­sion between past and present, while weav­ing in hints of a broad­er, mys­ti­cal nar­ra­tive.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How does Daniel’s experience at the party reflect his emotional state and identity struggles after coming back from the dead?

      Answer:
      Daniel’s brief visit to the party vividly illustrates his alienation and discomfort with his past life. Despite recognizing people like Torrey and Margret, who represent his former social circle, he feels objectified and out of place, as if he is a “prize” in a competition. The unexpected punch from Barb Gilly, which physically hurts him, symbolizes unresolved conflicts and the emotional pain tied to his previous relationships. This encounter reveals Daniel’s internal struggle with his identity and the difficulty of reconciling his past self with who he is now after his death and return, highlighting a profound sense of disconnection.

      2. Analyze the dynamic between Daniel and Susannah in this chapter. How do their interactions reveal their complex emotions and history?

      Answer:
      Daniel and Susannah’s interaction is charged with tension, regret, and lingering affection, reflecting a complicated history. Daniel’s immediate apology and acknowledgment of past misunderstandings, especially involving Laura and the “Bogomil dreams,” show his desire for reconciliation. Susannah’s defensive responses and denial of love contrast with subtle hints of vulnerability, such as her softened expression and eventual agreement to let him in. Their dialogue exposes unresolved feelings—resentment mixed with love—and the difficulty of moving forward. The negotiation about visiting each other’s homes underscores their tentative attempt to reconnect despite past wounds.

      3. What role do secondary characters like Laura, Ruth, and Mr. Hand play in illustrating the environment around Daniel and Susannah?

      Answer:
      Laura, Ruth, and Mr. Hand serve as background figures that enrich the setting and deepen the emotional landscape of Daniel and Susannah’s story. Laura’s protective and somewhat intrusive behavior, like “sheepdogging” her parents and invading Susannah’s space, creates a sense of tension and lack of privacy that mirrors the characters’ internal conflicts. Ruth’s presence as a long-term housemate and the suggestion that Susannah might move out indicate a transitional period in Susannah’s life. Mr. Hand’s and the adults’ drunken return add a chaotic, somewhat unstable atmosphere, emphasizing the contrast between the external social environment and the intimate moments Daniel and Susannah share.

      4. How does the chapter explore the theme of unfinished business or unresolved issues through Daniel’s reluctance to leave Susannah and the references to his pending actions?

      Answer:
      The chapter highlights the theme of unfinished business through Daniel’s hesitation to leave Susannah despite having obligations elsewhere. His admission that he has “things I’m supposed to do tonight” but prefers to stay with her underscores his emotional priorities and the unfinished nature of their relationship. The mention of a birthday party he is supposed to attend and the impending realization by Mr. Anabin that Daniel isn’t coming create a tension between duty and desire. This tension symbolizes broader unresolved issues—personal, relational, and perhaps supernatural—that Daniel must confront, reinforcing the motif of incomplete journeys and lingering attachments.

      5. Reflect on the significance of the final scene where Daniel is awakened by Bogomil. What might this encounter symbolize in the context of the chapter’s themes?

      Answer:
      Daniel’s awakening by Bogomil, accompanied by the sensory details of dirt and a tickling sensation, introduces a surreal or supernatural element that contrasts with the earlier intimate, realistic scenes. This encounter likely symbolizes a call back to Daniel’s larger, possibly spiritual or otherworldly responsibilities, interrupting his attempts at normalcy and connection with Susannah. Bogomil’s cryptic greeting and the phrase “Large lump. Boy toy.” may suggest a jarring reminder of Daniel’s complex identity and the forces at play beyond his personal desires. This moment encapsulates the chapter’s tension between the mundane and the mystical, the personal and the cosmic, emphasizing the ongoing struggle Daniel faces in reconciling these realms.

    Quotes

    • 1. “So maybe this was why Daniel had come back from the dead, so Barb Gilly finally got to punch him.”

      This quote captures the ironic and somewhat darkly humorous tone of Daniel’s attempt to reconnect with his past life, illustrating his alienation and the unexpected consequences of returning to old relationships after his death.

      2. “I know you don’t like me right now. But I also know you love me.”

      Here, Daniel acknowledges the complex emotional tension with Susannah, highlighting themes of love, forgiveness, and unresolved feelings that are central to their interaction and the chapter’s emotional core.

      3. “I just want to see you. I want to be with you while we can be together.”

      This statement expresses Daniel’s urgent desire for connection and presence in the limited time they have, underscoring the chapter’s exploration of fleeting moments and the importance of human relationships.

      4. “‘I’m thinking about moving out anyway.’ … ‘California,’ she said. ‘Or Canada. Someplace starting with a C. Community college.’”

      Susannah’s uncertain plans for the future reflect her inner conflict and search for identity, emphasizing themes of transition, uncertainty, and the desire for escape or change in the chapter’s narrative.

      5. “He lay back down on Susannah’s bed and tried not to worry about what that might be.”

      This closing moment captures Daniel’s vulnerability and the unresolved tension about his fate, leaving the reader with a sense of suspense and emotional poignancy that frames the chapter’s conclusion.

    Quotes

    1. “So maybe this was why Daniel had come back from the dead, so Barb Gilly finally got to punch him.”

    This quote captures the ironic and somewhat darkly humorous tone of Daniel’s attempt to reconnect with his past life, illustrating his alienation and the unexpected consequences of returning to old relationships after his death.

    2. “I know you don’t like me right now. But I also know you love me.”

    Here, Daniel acknowledges the complex emotional tension with Susannah, highlighting themes of love, forgiveness, and unresolved feelings that are central to their interaction and the chapter’s emotional core.

    3. “I just want to see you. I want to be with you while we can be together.”

    This statement expresses Daniel’s urgent desire for connection and presence in the limited time they have, underscoring the chapter’s exploration of fleeting moments and the importance of human relationships.

    4. “‘I’m thinking about moving out anyway.’ … ‘California,’ she said. ‘Or Canada. Someplace starting with a C. Community college.’”

    Susannah’s uncertain plans for the future reflect her inner conflict and search for identity, emphasizing themes of transition, uncertainty, and the desire for escape or change in the chapter’s narrative.

    5. “He lay back down on Susannah’s bed and tried not to worry about what that might be.”

    This closing moment captures Daniel’s vulnerability and the unresolved tension about his fate, leaving the reader with a sense of suspense and emotional poignancy that frames the chapter’s conclusion.

    FAQs

    1. How does Daniel’s experience at the party reflect his emotional state and identity struggles after coming back from the dead?

    Answer:
    Daniel’s brief visit to the party vividly illustrates his alienation and discomfort with his past life. Despite recognizing people like Torrey and Margret, who represent his former social circle, he feels objectified and out of place, as if he is a “prize” in a competition. The unexpected punch from Barb Gilly, which physically hurts him, symbolizes unresolved conflicts and the emotional pain tied to his previous relationships. This encounter reveals Daniel’s internal struggle with his identity and the difficulty of reconciling his past self with who he is now after his death and return, highlighting a profound sense of disconnection.

    2. Analyze the dynamic between Daniel and Susannah in this chapter. How do their interactions reveal their complex emotions and history?

    Answer:
    Daniel and Susannah’s interaction is charged with tension, regret, and lingering affection, reflecting a complicated history. Daniel’s immediate apology and acknowledgment of past misunderstandings, especially involving Laura and the “Bogomil dreams,” show his desire for reconciliation. Susannah’s defensive responses and denial of love contrast with subtle hints of vulnerability, such as her softened expression and eventual agreement to let him in. Their dialogue exposes unresolved feelings—resentment mixed with love—and the difficulty of moving forward. The negotiation about visiting each other’s homes underscores their tentative attempt to reconnect despite past wounds.

    3. What role do secondary characters like Laura, Ruth, and Mr. Hand play in illustrating the environment around Daniel and Susannah?

    Answer:
    Laura, Ruth, and Mr. Hand serve as background figures that enrich the setting and deepen the emotional landscape of Daniel and Susannah’s story. Laura’s protective and somewhat intrusive behavior, like “sheepdogging” her parents and invading Susannah’s space, creates a sense of tension and lack of privacy that mirrors the characters’ internal conflicts. Ruth’s presence as a long-term housemate and the suggestion that Susannah might move out indicate a transitional period in Susannah’s life. Mr. Hand’s and the adults’ drunken return add a chaotic, somewhat unstable atmosphere, emphasizing the contrast between the external social environment and the intimate moments Daniel and Susannah share.

    4. How does the chapter explore the theme of unfinished business or unresolved issues through Daniel’s reluctance to leave Susannah and the references to his pending actions?

    Answer:
    The chapter highlights the theme of unfinished business through Daniel’s hesitation to leave Susannah despite having obligations elsewhere. His admission that he has “things I’m supposed to do tonight” but prefers to stay with her underscores his emotional priorities and the unfinished nature of their relationship. The mention of a birthday party he is supposed to attend and the impending realization by Mr. Anabin that Daniel isn’t coming create a tension between duty and desire. This tension symbolizes broader unresolved issues—personal, relational, and perhaps supernatural—that Daniel must confront, reinforcing the motif of incomplete journeys and lingering attachments.

    5. Reflect on the significance of the final scene where Daniel is awakened by Bogomil. What might this encounter symbolize in the context of the chapter’s themes?

    Answer:
    Daniel’s awakening by Bogomil, accompanied by the sensory details of dirt and a tickling sensation, introduces a surreal or supernatural element that contrasts with the earlier intimate, realistic scenes. This encounter likely symbolizes a call back to Daniel’s larger, possibly spiritual or otherworldly responsibilities, interrupting his attempts at normalcy and connection with Susannah. Bogomil’s cryptic greeting and the phrase “Large lump. Boy toy.” may suggest a jarring reminder of Daniel’s complex identity and the forces at play beyond his personal desires. This moment encapsulates the chapter’s tension between the mundane and the mystical, the personal and the cosmic, emphasizing the ongoing struggle Daniel faces in reconciling these realms.

    Note