The Art of Racing in the Rain Theme of Travel, Separation, and Distance

As they say, life's about the journey, not the destination. But since we're all going at different speeds, that also means it can be difficult to keep track of and hold on to each other, or even to remember where we are at all. In The Art of Racing in the Rain, distances can be metaphorical: sometimes, the less actual distance there is between two people who care about each other, the more that distance feels like a physical obstacle that needs to be overcome and torn away. In the same way, though, emotional closeness and support can also combat the distance between people bring them back together, even in times of stress or sadness.

Questions About Travel, Separation, and Distance

  1. Why does Eve leave with Zoë for three days, and what does she say her reasoning is for leaving Enzo?
  2. Why is Eve so adamant that Denny come back when he goes off to race?
  3. What does Denny vow to do so that he can stay with Eve when she's in medical trouble?
  4. Does it seem like the distance from Denny helped Eve during her illness? Would physical proximity to her husband have made her feel better, or would it not have made a difference?