The Summer After the War - pages 15 to 20 end

Summary of pages 15 to 20

The boy often observes his grandfather practicing judo sequences in the garden, particularly enjoying watching the swift turns, frozen postures, and the throwing motions. The grandfather would even humorously attempt to throw a large tree over his hip. Inspired, the boy would later try to emulate these movements, imagining scenarios where they would defend themselves against attackers.

The boy's curiosity about his grandfather's past as a painter is piqued. He had always been told that his grandfather was a renowned artist, yet he hadn't seen any of his works. One day, he finally comes across his grandfather's paintings and posters, providing a tangible connection to the stories he had heard.

A turning point in the narrative occurs when the boy discovers his grandfather unresponsive in the bath. The shock and distress of this moment are palpable. In the subsequent days, the household is filled with tension and worry as the grandfather recuperates. The boy, filled with concern, is initially not allowed to see his grandfather. However, when he finally gets the chance to visit him, their bond deepens.

During one of their conversations, the grandfather, perhaps contemplating the fragility of life and the future, asks the boy about his aspirations, inquiring what he wants to be when he grows up. This moment underscores the deep connection between the two, as well as the grandfather's desire to see his grandson find his own path in life.

Discussion questions for pages 15 to 20

1. How does the discovery of his grandfather's paintings change the boy's perception of him?

2. How does the near-tragic incident in the bath influence the relationship between the boy and his grandfather?