Search Jump: Comments
    Chapter Index
    Back to Story
    Cover of The Book of Love
    FantasyFictionLiterary

    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.
    PreviousNext
    The Book of Love

    The Book of Susannah 13

    by Link, Kelly

    In the ear­ly morn­ing, Susan­nah wakes up con­fused about how she end­ed up in Daniel’s bed, recall­ing only that she had fall­en asleep in her own. A dream­like mem­o­ry of Daniel’s voice and another’s—Bogomil’s—briefly stirs her. Despite feel­ing slight­ed by Daniel leav­ing dur­ing the night, she decides to find him and express her dis­plea­sure. Ven­tur­ing out­side into the cold, snowy morn­ing, Susan­nah is remind­ed of a child­hood inci­dent involv­ing a stub­born splin­ter, sym­bol­iz­ing lin­ger­ing unre­solved pain. She lets her­self into Daniel’s house with a key she had pre­vi­ous­ly obtained, only to find his room emp­ty, so she lies back down and falls asleep again until Daniel returns.

    When Daniel final­ly comes back, he appears sur­prised but quick­ly becomes affec­tion­ate, turn­ing the ten­sion between them into an inti­mate moment. Susan­nah reflects on the dynam­ic of their rela­tion­ship, jok­ing that fight­ing can be as enjoy­able as karaoke or sex, high­light­ing a play­ful, com­pli­cat­ed bond. Their con­ver­sa­tion reveals a mix of humor and affec­tion as they dis­cuss what she might have sung at a karaoke night and decide to vis­it a local cof­fee shop togeth­er, illus­trat­ing their con­nec­tion despite ear­li­er con­flict. This inter­ac­tion under­scores the unpre­dictable and pas­sion­ate nature of their rela­tion­ship.

    The mood shifts when Susan­nah receives a text from Mo, sig­nal­ing that some­thing impor­tant is hap­pen­ing. Although Daniel is ini­tial­ly reluc­tant to join, he even­tu­al­ly insists on accom­pa­ny­ing her, despite their mutu­al dis­like. Susannah’s hes­i­ta­tion about Daniel’s pres­ence hints at unre­solved ten­sions, yet they pre­pare to face the sit­u­a­tion togeth­er. Mean­while, Daniel’s inter­ac­tion with his sis­ters reveals his dis­com­fort and sug­gests deep­er issues affect­ing him, which Susan­nah sens­es but respects his pri­va­cy about. This moment adds a lay­er of com­plex­i­ty to the char­ac­ters’ rela­tion­ships and emo­tion­al states.

    As Susan­nah leaves, she notices signs of dis­or­der in the house and antic­i­pates blame, high­light­ing her often pre­car­i­ous posi­tion with­in the social envi­ron­ment she nav­i­gates. She tries to pre­empt mis­un­der­stand­ings with a note, sig­nal­ing her aware­ness of the small con­flicts that per­me­ate dai­ly life. The chap­ter clos­es with Mo’s con­fir­ma­tion that he is on his way, set­ting the stage for unfold­ing events and rein­forc­ing the chapter’s themes of con­nec­tion, con­flict, and the inter­twin­ing of per­son­al and social strug­gles.

    Down­load PDF Sum­ma­ry

    FAQs

    • 1. What circumstances led Susannah to find herself in Daniel’s bed in the morning, and how does this reveal their relationship dynamic?

      Answer:
      Susannah initially fell asleep in her own bed with Daniel beside her, but she later found herself waking in Daniel’s bed without remembering how she got there. Earlier, she had been woken by a conversation involving Daniel and Bogomil, which she thought might have been a dream. She decided to find Daniel to express her displeasure at him leaving while she slept, but upon entering his bedroom, she found it empty and chose to lie down there, eventually falling asleep again. When Daniel returned, they shared an intimate moment that blended reconciliation and affection. This sequence reveals a relationship marked by complexity, spontaneity, and a blend of conflict and closeness, highlighting how their interactions blur the lines between frustration and desire.

      2. How does the recurring metaphor of the splinter function in the chapter, and what might it symbolize in Susannah’s emotional or psychological state?

      Answer:
      The splinter in Susannah’s heel, which she keeps forgetting to remove, serves as a metaphor for a persistent, unresolved pain or trauma. Her memory of a childhood incident where her father used tweezers to remove a splinter—an experience that involved fear and violence—suggests a deeper emotional wound that remains embedded in her psyche. The splinter’s physical presence and her neglect to remove it symbolize how past hurts continue to affect her, possibly representing unresolved issues related to family, trust, or self-care. This metaphor emphasizes the theme of lingering pain that requires conscious effort to confront and heal.

      Answer:
      Susannah’s brief interaction with Lissy and Carousel reveals underlying tensions and unspoken issues within Daniel’s family. Daniel’s sudden sickness and discomfort upon seeing his sisters suggest a strained relationship or hidden troubles that he is reluctant to confront openly. Susannah’s attempt to deflect questions by claiming she is there to help Daniel “with something really cool” contrasts with Daniel’s visible unease, highlighting a protective or secretive dynamic. This interaction adds depth to Daniel’s character, showing that his challenges extend beyond his relationship with Susannah and affect his familial bonds, thereby increasing the narrative’s emotional complexity.

      4. What role does communication—or the lack thereof—play in the interactions between Susannah, Daniel, and Mo throughout the chapter?

      Answer:
      Communication in this chapter is marked by ambiguity, hesitation, and indirectness. Susannah and Daniel’s relationship involves playful banter and subtle negotiation of feelings, such as when they discuss fighting, karaoke, and spending time together. However, when Mo texts Susannah about “something’s up,” the nature of the issue remains unclear, prompting Susannah to seek more information. Daniel’s initial reluctance to accompany Susannah and his eventual decision to come along despite not liking Mo suggests complexities in their interpersonal dynamics. The chapter demonstrates how incomplete communication can create tension and uncertainty but also drive characters to engage and support each other amidst unclear circumstances.

      5. Reflect on the chapter’s portrayal of coping mechanisms used by Susannah and Daniel. How do these mechanisms affect their individual behaviors and their relationship?

      Answer:
      Susannah and Daniel employ coping mechanisms that blend avoidance, humor, and physical intimacy. Susannah’s decision to let herself into Daniel’s house and lie in his bed rather than confront him immediately reflects avoidance of direct conflict. Their “makeup sex” serves as a way to bypass or quickly resolve emotional tension without explicit discussion. Daniel’s distracted behavior around his sisters and his initial reluctance to engage with Mo show his struggle to face difficult realities. These mechanisms provide temporary relief but may also delay addressing underlying issues. While they foster closeness and comfort, they also hint at unresolved conflicts that could affect the stability of their relationship if left unexamined.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Makeup sex didn’t always have to come second. Sometimes you could even skip the yelling and go straight to the sex, especially when the other person never even knew you’d been mad in the first place.”

      This quote highlights the complex, sometimes paradoxical dynamics of Susannah and Daniel’s relationship, suggesting that reconciliation can bypass conflict altogether. It captures the chapter’s intimate exploration of their emotional interplay and sets the tone for their morning interaction.

      2. “Daniel appeared surprised at first, as if he hadn’t realized until now that there was a girl in his bed. Then he was into it with a kind of enthusiasm that suggested he really liked surprises. Not that in the usual order of things Daniel lacked enthusiasm. It was surprises Daniel usually wasn’t keen on.”

      This passage insightfully characterizes Daniel’s personality and his relationship with Susannah, emphasizing his ambivalence toward unexpected events. It adds depth to their connection and foreshadows the subtle tensions underlying their interactions.

      3. “She had a sudden memory of sitting on the counter in the kitchen while her father used tweezers to take a splinter out of her palm. How old was she? Four, maybe. He’d held her arm down against her side. He hadn’t been hurting her, but she’d been frantic to escape. She’d hit him, hadn’t she? He’d gotten a black eye and she’d jumped off the counter and run away.”

      This reflective memory reveals Susannah’s troubled past and hints at unresolved trauma, which adds emotional layers to her character. It illuminates the persistent metaphor of the splinter and connects past pain to present struggles, enriching the chapter’s emotional resonance.

      4. “‘We should fight more often,’ she said.”

      This simple yet provocative statement encapsulates Susannah’s complex view of conflict and intimacy, suggesting that fights paradoxically strengthen their bond. It serves as a memorable, impactful moment that crystallizes the chapter’s themes of love, tension, and reconciliation.

      5. “‘Any place is open if you’ve got the keys,’ Susannah said. ‘I’ve got keys. Come on. Besides, Billy gets there early, and he’d love to see you.’”

      This quote symbolizes agency and connection, with the keys representing access not only to physical spaces but also to relationships and possibilities. It reflects Susannah’s proactive attitude and the informal, interconnected community that frames the chapter’s social setting.

    Quotes

    1. “Makeup sex didn’t always have to come second. Sometimes you could even skip the yelling and go straight to the sex, especially when the other person never even knew you’d been mad in the first place.”

    This quote highlights the complex, sometimes paradoxical dynamics of Susannah and Daniel’s relationship, suggesting that reconciliation can bypass conflict altogether. It captures the chapter’s intimate exploration of their emotional interplay and sets the tone for their morning interaction.

    2. “Daniel appeared surprised at first, as if he hadn’t realized until now that there was a girl in his bed. Then he was into it with a kind of enthusiasm that suggested he really liked surprises. Not that in the usual order of things Daniel lacked enthusiasm. It was surprises Daniel usually wasn’t keen on.”

    This passage insightfully characterizes Daniel’s personality and his relationship with Susannah, emphasizing his ambivalence toward unexpected events. It adds depth to their connection and foreshadows the subtle tensions underlying their interactions.

    3. “She had a sudden memory of sitting on the counter in the kitchen while her father used tweezers to take a splinter out of her palm. How old was she? Four, maybe. He’d held her arm down against her side. He hadn’t been hurting her, but she’d been frantic to escape. She’d hit him, hadn’t she? He’d gotten a black eye and she’d jumped off the counter and run away.”

    This reflective memory reveals Susannah’s troubled past and hints at unresolved trauma, which adds emotional layers to her character. It illuminates the persistent metaphor of the splinter and connects past pain to present struggles, enriching the chapter’s emotional resonance.

    4. “‘We should fight more often,’ she said.”

    This simple yet provocative statement encapsulates Susannah’s complex view of conflict and intimacy, suggesting that fights paradoxically strengthen their bond. It serves as a memorable, impactful moment that crystallizes the chapter’s themes of love, tension, and reconciliation.

    5. “‘Any place is open if you’ve got the keys,’ Susannah said. ‘I’ve got keys. Come on. Besides, Billy gets there early, and he’d love to see you.’”

    This quote symbolizes agency and connection, with the keys representing access not only to physical spaces but also to relationships and possibilities. It reflects Susannah’s proactive attitude and the informal, interconnected community that frames the chapter’s social setting.

    FAQs

    1. What circumstances led Susannah to find herself in Daniel’s bed in the morning, and how does this reveal their relationship dynamic?

    Answer:
    Susannah initially fell asleep in her own bed with Daniel beside her, but she later found herself waking in Daniel’s bed without remembering how she got there. Earlier, she had been woken by a conversation involving Daniel and Bogomil, which she thought might have been a dream. She decided to find Daniel to express her displeasure at him leaving while she slept, but upon entering his bedroom, she found it empty and chose to lie down there, eventually falling asleep again. When Daniel returned, they shared an intimate moment that blended reconciliation and affection. This sequence reveals a relationship marked by complexity, spontaneity, and a blend of conflict and closeness, highlighting how their interactions blur the lines between frustration and desire.

    2. How does the recurring metaphor of the splinter function in the chapter, and what might it symbolize in Susannah’s emotional or psychological state?

    Answer:
    The splinter in Susannah’s heel, which she keeps forgetting to remove, serves as a metaphor for a persistent, unresolved pain or trauma. Her memory of a childhood incident where her father used tweezers to remove a splinter—an experience that involved fear and violence—suggests a deeper emotional wound that remains embedded in her psyche. The splinter’s physical presence and her neglect to remove it symbolize how past hurts continue to affect her, possibly representing unresolved issues related to family, trust, or self-care. This metaphor emphasizes the theme of lingering pain that requires conscious effort to confront and heal.

    Answer:
    Susannah’s brief interaction with Lissy and Carousel reveals underlying tensions and unspoken issues within Daniel’s family. Daniel’s sudden sickness and discomfort upon seeing his sisters suggest a strained relationship or hidden troubles that he is reluctant to confront openly. Susannah’s attempt to deflect questions by claiming she is there to help Daniel “with something really cool” contrasts with Daniel’s visible unease, highlighting a protective or secretive dynamic. This interaction adds depth to Daniel’s character, showing that his challenges extend beyond his relationship with Susannah and affect his familial bonds, thereby increasing the narrative’s emotional complexity.

    4. What role does communication—or the lack thereof—play in the interactions between Susannah, Daniel, and Mo throughout the chapter?

    Answer:
    Communication in this chapter is marked by ambiguity, hesitation, and indirectness. Susannah and Daniel’s relationship involves playful banter and subtle negotiation of feelings, such as when they discuss fighting, karaoke, and spending time together. However, when Mo texts Susannah about “something’s up,” the nature of the issue remains unclear, prompting Susannah to seek more information. Daniel’s initial reluctance to accompany Susannah and his eventual decision to come along despite not liking Mo suggests complexities in their interpersonal dynamics. The chapter demonstrates how incomplete communication can create tension and uncertainty but also drive characters to engage and support each other amidst unclear circumstances.

    5. Reflect on the chapter’s portrayal of coping mechanisms used by Susannah and Daniel. How do these mechanisms affect their individual behaviors and their relationship?

    Answer:
    Susannah and Daniel employ coping mechanisms that blend avoidance, humor, and physical intimacy. Susannah’s decision to let herself into Daniel’s house and lie in his bed rather than confront him immediately reflects avoidance of direct conflict. Their “makeup sex” serves as a way to bypass or quickly resolve emotional tension without explicit discussion. Daniel’s distracted behavior around his sisters and his initial reluctance to engage with Mo show his struggle to face difficult realities. These mechanisms provide temporary relief but may also delay addressing underlying issues. While they foster closeness and comfort, they also hint at unresolved conflicts that could affect the stability of their relationship if left unexamined.

    Note