The Gathering

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-7

Chapters 8-14

Chapters 15-21

Chapters 22-29

Chapters 30-39

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Chapters 15-21Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 15 Summary

In Veronica’s memories of living with Ada, she realizes that she is confusing her sister Kitty’s stories as her own. She recalls Ada’s garden and Nugent coming over often with his tools. Nugent would bring candy for Veronica and her siblings. Even as a child, Veronica could tell that Nugent was in love with Ada.

Chapter 16 Summary

Veronica imagines why Ada chose Charlie over Nugent. Nugent, Charlie, and Ada attend the horse races and place bets. Nugent is discouraged and frustrated by his losses. When Ada’s horse wins, Nugent is disappointed and annoyed, while Charlie is happy for her. Ada chooses Charlie because he supported her when Nugent couldn’t.

Chapter 17 Summary

Veronica remembers that, when she was eight years old and living with Ada, Ada brought Kitty, Veronica, and Liam to St. Ita’s to visit Ada’s son Brendan. Ada left the kids in the gardens while she visited Brendan. St. Ita’s was a psychiatric hospital.