All The Bright Places

Finch’s whereabouts are unknown, but he texts Violet that “they were all perfect days” (316), in reference to time spent with her. In response to the Markeys’ concern about Finch, Mrs. Finch replies that her son has promised to check in with her weekly. The family appreciates their concern but feels there is no need to consult a psychiatrist given Finch’s tendency to disappear. Violet is aware that her mother feels that this attitude is negligent.

Violet realizes that she is the only one who misses Finch at school. Classmates and teachers seem to recall him as a troublemaker who was expelled for misbehavior. The young woman continues attending classes, reading college responses to her application, and working on her online magazine. 

Finch sends Violet a series of cryptic text messages; the last one describes “[a] lake. A prayer. It’s so lovely to be lovely in Private” (318). 

On page 319, there is a small graphic of a flower, presumably a violet. Violet alone narrates the remainder of the novel. 

On Easter Sunday, Violet and her parents drive to the scene of Eleanor’s accident. She notices the license plate from her sister’s car embedded in the ground, encircled by flowers, and realizes that Finch is responsible for this memorial.