Marfan Syndrome

Although it was undiagnosed, Janie suffered with Marfan syndrome. This disease caused her to suffer an aortic dissection which led to her death. The cause of death was not strangulation.

Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall is one of the symbols that recurs in the novel. Esther, Cecilia, and John-Paul’s daughter have begun a fascination with the Berlin Wall, a symbol of division.

John-Paul’s Letter

Cecilia finds this letter when she is in the attic looking for her piece of the Berlin Wall. John-Paul asks her not to read it, Eventually, she does read it when she realizes how badly he wants to keep her from finding out what it says. It turns out John-Paul confessed to a murder in the letter.

Piece of the Berlin Wall

Cecilia buys this piece of concrete that is supposed to be a piece of the Berlin Wall...