Summary

In Chapter 73, Elena theorizes that Nino’s respect for female intelligence can be traced back to Lila.

In Chapter 74, Elena ponders this further: why had she not allowed Nino’s choosing Lila all of those summers ago on Ischia remove him from heart? She is turning this thought around one morning while the older girls are at school and Silvana has the baby. On her way to the library she recalls that Imma needs diapers; after completing the errand she rushes back to the apartment to leave the diapers with the housekeeper. She catches Nino and Silvana making love in the bathroom.

During Chapter 75, Elena has a difficult time reconciling what she saw, and finds she no longer has any grasp on who Nino actually is. She realizes with dismay that he is who he is—weak.

In Chapter 76, Elena calls Lila...