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63 pages 2 hours read

Garth Stein

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008

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Chapters 14-16Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 14 Summary

Enzo scrutinizes Denny as he plays racing video games to study a particular track. Denny exercises, diets. He’s preparing for a big race, and didn’t tell Enzo about it. It turns out that he took a seat at a touring car, and he’ll be away for another extended period. Enzo feels betrayed, but understands a racer’s demands. Eve delivers an emotional goodbye, concerned that her condition will deteriorate in Denny’s absence.

Denny loses at races due to an inexperienced pit crew and vehicle malfunctions. Even during days off, he has to stay at the tracks. Enzo senses tension building between Denny and Eve.

A fight breaks out over dinner when Zoe refuses to eat her chicken nuggets. Eve accidentally slices her hand while trying to open a package of hot dogs. She fearfully refuses to go to the hospital. Enzo takes care of Zoe throughout this ordeal. He imagines that the zebra possessed others with its rage.

Enzo tries to eat one of the chicken nuggets. They were expired. He pities Zoe and her inability to express distaste. He also recognizes that this explosion of raw emotion needed to occur, and that the family would come together around it as a result. 

Chapter 15 Summary

Eve, Enzo and Zoe stay with her parents (Maxwell and Trish) during one of Denny’s long absences. Maxwell and Trish (“the Twins”) are wealthy, but unsatisfied with everything they see. They criticize Denny harshly, as he isn’t the chief breadwinner of the household. Maxwell feeds Enzo one of the hot peppers he snacks on. The pepper gives Enzo diarrhea, and Enzo resolves never to accept food from those he doesn’t trust. 

Chapter 16 Summary

Time passes. Enzo listens to Denny’s racing adventures and how he meets important figures in the trade. Eve gets herself back in shape and her health noticeably improves.

Denny’s car breaks down at an important race, where he finishes last.

Eve attempts to have another baby. She’s afraid to visit the track in her condition. She finds it too stressful. 

Chapters 14-16 Analysis

Conflict arises in these chapters, most notably between Eve and Denny, but between other characters as well. The conflict between Denny’s career and his home life comes to a boil with Denny spending more time away from his family. Eve cutting her hand during a fight could be interpreted as a subconscious plea for the attention he isn’t giving her. Ironically, despite the fact that Denny is away more due to his racing career, Eve’s parents criticize him for not contributing to the family and for not being around enough for her and Zoe.

Eve’s illness also serves as a source of conflict. The fact that Eve doesn’t consider herself medically equipped to attend the races prevents her from participating in an important part of Denny’s life. It also distinguishes her from Denny and Enzo in a big way. What they find exhilarating, she finds toxic. What gives them passion and vigor could overwhelm or destroy her. 

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By Garth Stein