Book 3, Beads 73-89 Summary and Analysis

Book 3, "Indonesia, or 'Even in My Underpants, I Feel Different,' or '36 Tales about the Pursuit of Balance,'" opens with Liz knowing only that her contact lives in a village near Ubud. She takes a taxi, checks into a hotel and feels instantly adored. She bonds with Mario, who loves all things Italian, knows Ketut Liyer, and drops everything to speed her, unannounced, to Ketut's. Liz has no idea what to say. Ketut looks the same but does not recall their previous meeting. Only when Liz says that she is a book-writer from New York does he show recognition and joy. He says that she looks different: no longer worried, but happy and pretty, and produces a pile of letters from abroad about his artwork for Liz to answer. He has married, and his heavyset...