The Lovely Bones Chapter 5 Quotes
How we cite the quotes:
Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote 1
A little strange, Fenerman thought, but it doesn't make the man a murderer. (5.51)
We wonder what it would have taken for Len to think someone was a suspect. If that someone was a seemingly respectable suburbanite, probably a heck of a lot. This also shows us that Len isn't one of those cops who uses 'gut feelings' to solve crimes.
Quote 2
"Susie is dead," he said now, unable to make it fit in the rules of any game. (5.137)
Susie even cries in heaven when Jack is trying to explain Monopoly and Susie's death in one fell swoop. We wouldn't blame you if you cried too.
Quote 3
The guilt on him, the hand of God pressing down on him, saying, You were not there when your daughter needed you. (5.3)
Family tragedies are known for producing spiraling guilt. Guilt is what you do when you can't do anything else.
Quote 4
[…] it was Lindsey who had to deal with what Holly called the Walking Dead Syndrome – when other people see the dead person and don't see you. (5.6)
Being Susie's sister becomes a much bigger part of Lindsey's identity after Susie dies. But only in the eyes of others. She remains her own person, dedicated to helping her family deal with the tragedy.
Quote 5
"Each year it's something I do for Leah. […] My wife. I'm a widower." (5.54)
One big reason Len Fenerman buys the widower lie is because he himself is a widower. It's doubtful Harvey knows this; he's just being his creepy self.
Quote 6
"I'm certain there's a man in my neighborhood who knows something." (5.29)
And so Jack's frustrating and fruitless attempt to bring his daughter's killer to justice begins. He's trying to restore order to the situation. But Len Fenerman's desire to preserve order by being carefully not to accuse people without evidence wins out.
Quote 7
A little strange, Fenerman thought, but it doesn't make the man a murderer. (5.51)
Len Fenerman is trying to be a good cop. He can't stand the idea of making a mistake, of inconveniencing an honest citizen. He's too careful.
Quote 8
"Each year it's something I do for Leah. […] My wife. I'm a widower." (5.54)
Len felt that he was intruding on this man's private rituals. (5.55)
And here's where Harvey gets him. Since Len actually is a widower, Harvey inadvertently presses his sympathy buttons. Len will believe anything now, even a wedding tent.