Necessary Lies

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-11

Chapters 12-21

Chapters 22-40

Chapters 41-58

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Chapters 22-40Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 22 Summary: “Ivy”

On a Sunday, Jane arrives to ask Ivy and Mary Ella to accompany her to the beach. Nonnie allows the girls and William to go but opts to stay back. First, they must find Mary Ella, whom Nonnie has sent to a nearby church for cookies. Jane and Ivy drive there but run into the Jordan boys in one of the Gardiner trucks, with Mary Ella in tow.

On the drive to the shore, Jane asks many questions of the girls, attempting to learn more about them. At the beach, Ivy and William enjoy the water. Ivy reveals to Jane that she does indeed have a boyfriend, though she does not reveal his identity. Jane asks Ivy about her desires and goals for the future. Before the outing is over, Ivy suffers an epileptic incident.

Chapter 23 Summary: “Jane”

Charlotte returns to work and immediately reprimands Jane for the trip to the beach. Jane explains that she had hoped interacting with Ivy in a neutral environment would help her evaluate Ivy’s intelligence. Jane is certain that Ivy’s seizures are not a valid reason to prevent her from having children permanently.