The Giver of Stars
Chapter 25: Twenty-five
by Moyes, JojoThe chapter follows Alice and her fellow packhorse librarians as they embark on a challenging journey to Arnott’s Ridge, a remote and treacherous route typically only taken by Margery and her mule, Charley. The terrain is rugged, with steep crevasses, narrow ledges, and fallen trees, making the trip arduous even in early September. Alice relies on Charley’s familiarity with the path, though the lack of markers leaves her uneasy. The women ride in silence, focused on the unfamiliar landscape, their bond palpable as they navigate the obstacles together. Alice reflects on the rarity of their group ride and the impending end of her time with them, as she prepares to return to England.
Alice’s thoughts drift to her imminent departure, realizing how deeply she has grown to love her companions. She mourns the loss of their shared experiences—braving the cold, warning each other of snakes, and comforting one another after falls. The idea of leaving these women, not just her husband Fred, feels like a profound loss. She imagines how she will fade from their lives, reduced to a fleeting memory in their busy routines. The emotional weight of her impending goodbye contrasts sharply with the quiet determination of their current mission.
Tensions arise when the group debates directions, with Beth questioning Alice’s map-reading skills. The exchange highlights Alice’s lingering sense of being an outsider, a theme that has haunted her since arriving in Baileyville. Despite the friction, their camaraderie shines through when Izzy declares their unity as the “Baileyville packhorse librarians.” The moment underscores their loyalty to one another, even as they face the unknown ahead. Their banter and lighthearted punches momentarily ease the tension before they approach the McCulloughs’ isolated, neglected shack.
Upon arriving, Alice takes the lead, cautiously approaching the house despite the aggressive dog and eerie silence. Her attempts to speak with the McCulloughs are met with hostility, culminating in a shotgun pointed through the door. The scene is tense, with Alice and Kathleen standing their ground, determined to fulfill their mission. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the outcome of their encounter uncertain but emphasizing the women’s bravery and solidarity in the face of danger.
FAQs
1. What challenges did Alice and the other librarians face on their journey to Arnott’s Ridge?
Answer:
The journey to Arnott’s Ridge was physically demanding and treacherous, even in early September. The route included steep crevasses, narrow ledges, and obstacles like ditches, fences, and fallen trees. The terrain was remote, with no markers like notches or ribbons to guide them, relying solely on Charley the mule’s familiarity with the path. The dense, newly amber forests muffled sound, adding to the isolation. The group rode in tense silence, focused on navigating the unfamiliar landscape while intermittently warning each other of hazards. This underscores the difficulty of their mission and the risks they took to deliver books.2. How does Alice’s reflection on her impending departure reveal her emotional state and relationships with the other librarians?
Answer:
Alice’s thoughts about leaving for England highlight her deep emotional connection to the librarians. She realizes she loves them all and that parting will be painful, akin to leaving Fred. She mourns the loss of their shared experiences—facing cold winds, snakes, and falls together—and doubts she’ll find such camaraderie in her new life. The chapter emphasizes her fear of becoming a mere footnote in their lives (“that English girl who rode with us”). This introspection reveals her vulnerability and the profound bond forged through their challenging work, making her departure bittersweet.3. Analyze the significance of Izzy’s decision to join the journey without her mother’s permission. What does this reveal about her character and the group’s dynamics?
Answer:
Izzy’s choice to secretly accompany the group demonstrates her loyalty and growing independence. Despite her mother’s overprotectiveness (due to her disability), Izzy insists, “We are a team,” highlighting her commitment to their collective mission. Her defiance mirrors the librarians’ solidarity—they support each other even when it means defying societal or familial expectations. Beth and Izzy’s playful punching further reinforces their camaraderie. This moment underscores Izzy’s transformation from a sheltered girl to an empowered member of the group, willing to take risks for their shared cause.4. How does the encounter at the McCullough house build tension and foreshadow potential conflict?
Answer:
The McCullough house’s ominous description—neglected, with a chained, aggressive dog—creates a foreboding atmosphere. The librarians’ nervous jokes about being shot at amplify the tension. Alice’s internal fear (recalling McCullough’s corpse) and the sudden silence of the mountain heighten suspense. When the gun barrels appear, the threat becomes real, abruptly cutting off the scene. This cliffhanger foreshadows danger, suggesting the McCulloughs are hostile or hiding something. The unresolved tension leaves readers anticipating violence or a revelation, mirroring the librarians’ anxiety about uncovering the truth behind McCullough’s death.5. Compare Alice and Beth’s conflict over the map to their broader relationship dynamics in the chapter.
Answer:
Their argument over the map reflects underlying tensions: Beth’s local knowledge versus Alice’s outsider status. Beth’s jab (“You’re not from here”) echoes the town’s constant reminders of Alice’s foreignness, while Alice’s sharp retort reveals her frustration with being marginalized. Yet, their clash is tempered by mutual respect—Beth defers when Izzy defends Alice, and they later unite against the McCulloughs. This mirrors their complex bond: competitive yet interdependent. Their friction underscores themes of belonging and teamwork, showing how shared purpose (like the library) bridges personal differences.
Quotes
1. “It occurred to Alice as they headed along the track into the upper reaches of the mountains that they had never ridden together, not all of them, like this. And then that it was entirely possible this would be the last time she rode into the mountains.”
This poignant reflection captures Alice’s bittersweet awareness of impending departure and the unique bond she shares with her fellow librarians. It underscores the chapter’s themes of transience and cherished camaraderie.
2. “She couldn’t imagine meeting women with whom she would feel so in tune, so close to in her next life, over polite chit-chat and cups of tea.”
Alice’s lament about returning to English society highlights the profound, unpretentious connection she’s forged with these Kentucky women. The quote contrasts two worlds while emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of their shared experiences.
3. “We are the Baileyville packhorse librarians and we stick together.”
Izzy’s defiant declaration represents the chapter’s central theme of solidarity. This rallying cry gains power coming from typically timid Izzy, showing how their mission has transformed them all.
4. “A voice broke into the silence: ‘You all can git and leave us alone!’ Alice turned on her heel to find two barrels of a gun visible through the gap in the door.”
This tense confrontation marks the chapter’s dramatic climax. The hostile reception at the McCullough house crystallizes the danger and isolation of their mission, while showcasing Alice’s courage in facing it.