The Man Who Died Twice

The rising action comes to a climax, and two narrative threads are resolved. Chapter 73 creates an ominous atmosphere of suspense as Donna and Chris wait for the meeting on the pier.

Much of the action occurs in Chapter 74 during the meeting between three of the novel’s antagonists. The sense of mistrust between Martin, Andrade, and Connie is heightened by the claustrophobic dimensions of the office and the fact that all three are armed. As Bogdan observes, “This is a lot of guns in a small room” (373). Connie’s revelation that she only has two diamonds leads to a classic crime trope. Everyone pulls out a gun in an armed standoff.

Revenge and moral justice are served in this section as Connie and Ryan are arrested while Martin and Andrade are killed. Elizabeth sums up the dead men’s fates, noting, “I don’t really like anyone being killed if one can avoid it […] But no great loss here” (375). The corrupt natures of Martin and Andrade are emphasized in the description of their bodies: “Two men sleeping. Dreaming of guns and drugs and money, of always taking and never giving” (375). However, readers are also reminded that, by withholding the diamonds, Elizabeth is responsible for the deaths. Joyce acknowledges her friend’s ruthlessness, observing, “Elizabeth could be brutal sometimes” (375-76).

Another classic crime motif is employed in the scene where Connie and Ryan receive their comeuppance. Ron clarifies that this is a personal act of revenge by instructing Ryan to think of Ibrahim’s name “every night you’re locked up” (380). The recurring theme of mortality is also touched upon when Connie threatens to kill Ron and Bogdan. When Connie says, “You’re all dead,” Bogdan replies, “Sooner or later, for sure” (381). His calm attitude to mortality is a reminder that death is inevitable for everyone, not just the elderly.

Although many loose narrative threads are tied up in this section, the question of who killed Douglas and Poppy remains. Significantly, in Chapter 72, Elizabeth asks Joyce if Poppy looked her in the eye when she gave her Siobhan’s number. Although the question seems casual, Joyce’s reply (that she only found the note later) confirms a theory that Elizabeth does not immediately share. The first sign that Elizabeth suspects Sue emerges when she cryptically tells Joyce they will soon be traveling in the coroner’s van with the murderer.

While the atmosphere of these chapters is tense and dramatic, they are also interspersed with humor. After picking up the menacing mafia boss Andrade from the airport, Joyce asks him if he “need[s] the toilet before we set off” (365). These moments serve to momentarily diffuse the tension.

Donna’s character development also continues in this section as she assesses Lance and dismisses him as too old. Her rejection of Lance as a potential partner displays her growing self-worth. A future romance with Bogdan is also foreshadowed as she sees him and “swears that her ice cream starts to melt faster” (366).