The Immortalists

Gertie says a prayer before the meal, and the family begins eating. Mira asks a question about how a card trick is done, and Ruby reveals that it is a technique called forcing, “When a magician manipulates your decisions” (235).

The discussion turns to the military and the war in Iraq. Daniel defends the United States’ efforts and says that the soldiers are noble in their fighting. Raj pushes against this idea. He suggests that the Americans are not fighting a just war, but are instead interested in protecting their own interest, as is Israel. The Golds all become very offended at this, and Raj goes on a walk alone with Daniel.

Daniel accuses Raj of only looking out for his own interests with Klara: “You were cocky. You cared more about the show than you did about her” (240). Raj counters that he took care of her even when the Golds refused to welcome him or help her themselves. Raj ends by saying, “Klara may have killed herself. But she was still braver than you” (241). 

Raj and Ruby leave early the next morning, and the attitude is strained. While Mira is at work, Eddie calls to say that Bruna has been cleared of all charges.