CHAPTER 32

Summary

• The chapter starts with Digby, a main character, feeling dislocated after landing on an alien planet. He has moved to Rune's bungalow in the lowlands which feels very different from his previous high altitude abode at AllSuch.
• Rune is portrayed as an easygoing character who leads Digby through gardens to his clinic, engaging in lively chats with locals in Malayalam.
• Rune assists Digby with treating his own leprosy. Despite this being Digby's first experience with the disease, he is not overly concerned about it due to his other worries.
• Rune then proceeds to administer a procedure to Digby that he himself did not invent, but instead learned from a Frenchman who referred to it as the "mèthode de pivotement". This procedure is used to increase the flexibility of Digby's left wrist.
• Digby's recovery is physically painful and after ten days, Rune decides to operate on Digby's right hand. The operation is described as complex and labor-intensive, resulting in Digby's hand being placed in a pouch of skin on his own chest.
• Digby emerges from his surgery in good spirits and feeling part of the community, despite his physical disfigurement. Throughout the chapter he gains more acceptance of his situation and feels a deep sense of camaraderie with the fellow patients/residents of Saint Bridget's.
• As Digby's healing progresses, he begins to reconnect with his past, expressing regret about personal drama and relationship mistakes. Honorine, a prominent character from Digby's past, receives a letter from him and visits to provide emotional support and an update on Digby's professional status – he's been placed on indefinite medical leave following an inquiry into a previous fatal surgery error.
• Rune, despite facing his own health challenges, provides continuous support to Digby as both a mentor and friend. He suggests that Digby should rely on familiar activities, such as drawing and painting, to rehabilitate his hands and mind.