Not all reunions can lead to happily ever afters, but they can lead to peace. The latter is something that happens in A Fugitive Green chapter 8.
Minnie has spent her whole life wondering about her mother, and now she gets some answers. It’s not likely the answers that she wants, but there is a peace that comes with the story and the reunion. It also goes to show that there is often a little more than meets the eye.
There is also a mention of Mother Hildegarde in the chapter. It’s always great to get a mention of characters we’ve already come to know and love.
Breaking down A Fugitive Green chapter 8
The chapter starts with Minnie going to the thatched building to see her mother, surprised to smell incense burning. Her aunt shares that she needs to hurry if she wants to stand a chance to speak with her mom, as the bells are about to sound, and that will signify prayer for her mom.
Minnie goes inside to see Soeur Emmanuelle kneeling. When she realizes that someone has walked in Emmanuelle looks over and is shocked to see Minnie. She even asks if she is seeing a vision, and whether this is the archangel Raphael doing his work. Either way, it’s clear to that Emmanuelle recognizes something in Minnie.
As Minnie shares her name is “Minerva,” the two women just look at each other. That’s when the bells ring, meaning that Emmanuelle begins her prayers, using the Book of Hours to None, focusing on the ninth hour. Minnie can’t help but look at the book and recognize it, as one that her father had sent to Mother Hildegarde.
Minnie opts to stay, praying with her mother just to feel close to her. When the prayers are done, her mother remains in contemplation, but Minnie rises to her feet. It is time for her to leave, but not before she forgives her mother.
Could this chapter be used in a TV adaptation?
I could certainly see this chapter being used if A Fugitive Green was ever used. The start of the book brings focus to Minnie’s personal needs to go to England. She wants to find out more about her biological mother, and this chapter is all about that.
It certainly wasn’t easy for Minnie to learn about her mother and the events that led to Minnie being raised by her father. However, this moment gives Minnie a chance to accept the situation — at least for her mom’s sake. It wasn’t her mom’s fault that this happened, and she’s able to offer forgiveness that maybe deep-down Emmanuelle feels like she needs. We would need to see all that play out on the screen.
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