Summer of '69

The shortest part of the book wraps up the future of the Foley-Levins, revealing that they made the right choices after a time of change and struggle. Change has happened through small increments, and they’re far better off than when they started, connected through love, honesty, and understanding.

Unlike the other chapters, Chapter 33 is told from multiple close personal third perspectives within the same chapter, aptly titled “Someday We’ll Be Together.” Togetherness is achieved by nearly the entire family as they spend Thanksgiving on the Island of Nantucket, the first gathering with Tiger’s fiancée, Magee. Although Tiger is still in Vietnam, his presence is felt throughout the book’s last pages. He’s a part of their celebration because of their love for him.

Kate waited until this holiday to reveal that she bought the house that David wanted, a symbolic gesture to show how much she loves and appreciates him. This completely erases any estrangement, as David realizes that Kate has chosen him over her obligations to her mother and any lingering grip from Wilder Foley. His symbolically whisking her over the threshold like a bride shows that they’re embarking on a new stage of their marriage—one that is their own domain.

Although she’s still friends with Pick, Jessie has moved on to a healthier relationship with a boy from her high school. Andy is intellectual and kind, and he cares about the same issues as Jessie does. Their relationship has a mutuality that didn’t exist with Pick. Angus and Blair have likewise achieved equilibrium. He has cut back on his workload, spending more time at home. The fact that they’re looking for a nanny shows his commitment to Blair’s schooling. Blair’s regained self-assertion hasn’t diminished.

Kirby and Darren are a more solidified couple and are about to study together abroad in Geneva. Kirby has worked up the nerve to tell Exalta that he’s African American and is pleasantly surprised by the result. Exalta shows that anyone can change at any age, given the right circumstances and influences, like Bill, who’s now part of the family.

Nervous and shy, Magee can’t help but feel at home as Kirby helps her with the protocol of table-setting and Exalta is thrilled to see her wearing Penn’s Harvard ring. Kate sets a place for Tiger next to Magee to show that they’re a unit even though Tiger remains in Vietnam. While it’s unclear what the future ultimately holds for Tiger’s future and their marriage, Magee is made to feel as if she’s already a permanent part of the Foley-Levin clan, suggesting once more the theme of Maturity and Responsibility as well as inclusive togetherness.

Tiger, having dinner with his men miles away in Vietnam, first mourns the deaths of his comrades and then remembers he has purpose (saving lives). He takes the moment to give thanks for his life and for his family, showing that while miles apart, they’re truly bonded by love. Hildebrand leaves us with this image of the “fortunate son,” and the blessings of familial love. Wrapping up the plotlines by emphasizing the positive changes that the Foley-Levins made despite trying times gives the novel’s end an overarching feeling of satisfaction and hope.