Summary

In Chapter 11, Yevgenia prepares for “what she calls the ‘New Year’s Holidays,’ celebrated the ‘Russian way’” (231). While baking for the party she is hosting, Yevgenia tells Lara about her grandmother and great-grandmother.

They invite numerous people over for “Russian ‘Christmas’” (235). The whole neighborhood is there. The music is loud and the adults get drunk. Lara is relieved when Julie and Charles arrive.

When Yevgenia gives a toast to Charles instead of Lara, Lara is upset. Julie comforts Lara. Lara eventually dismisses herself. She is furious to find Yevgenia making out with Papa Bear outside. She tells her friends she is breaking her rule about sleeping with landlords (248). Yevgenia tells Lara she can do what she wants. She and Papa Bear leave. Lara is supposed to break up the party. She starts with Brody, helping him “to his trailer...