Summary

In Chapter 20, Vivian gets dressed in preparation for her sister coming for dinner and goes to the butcher and to the fruit and veg shop to buy the required ingredients. The dinner starts to burn as the guests arrive, saying hello to her sister, brother-in-law and their children. Vivian promises them cake but her sister says they are not allowed any until after dinner. The dinner has turned out badly but Vivian tries to encourage them to have some and turns to her conversation topic list to remind herself to ask about the children. Vivian tries to eat but the food is inedible, and she prompts her brother-in-law to talk about politics while she goes to get the dessert. Vivian tries to start a dance and encourages the children to join in but her sister will not let them then Vivian remembers to...