We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

The Lovely Bones Chapter 16 Summary

How It All Goes Down

  • On the first anniversary of Susie's death, she sees Ruana Singh beginning to realize that her husband is so devoted to his work that he's drifting away from her.
  • Ruth comes over, introduces herself, and asks to see Ray.
  • She has candles, and wants to have a vigil for Susie at the cornfield.
  • Ruth and Ray often practice kissing together, and people think they're a couple, even though she thinks it should be obvious that she likes women.
  • When they get to the cornfield, they find Samuel and Hal. Others have already come, left flowers, and gone.
  • Neighbors can see them from windows, and they call others. Lots of people start showing up.
  • As the sun goes down, the cornfield fills with people holding candles, singing dirges.
  • Lindsey shows Abigail, but Abigail says she isn't interested in a memorial.
  • Sensing her distance, Lindsey asks her if she plans on leaving them. Lying, she says she won't leave them.
  • She holds Lindsey and then tells her to go tell Jack about the vigil.
  • Buckley, Lindsey, and Jack go across to the neighborhood and join the growing crowd memorializing Susie.